D 

G3  9 


UC-NRLF 


$B    7MM    572 


REPORTS 


RBCEIVED    BY 


THE    JOINT 

DISTRIBUTION    COMMITTEE 

OF    FUNDS    FOR 

JEWISH    WAR    SUFFERERS 


NEW    YORK 
1916 


GIFT  OF 


[ 


REPORTS 


RECEIVED    BY 


THE   JOINT 

DISTRIBUTION    COMMITTEE 

OF    FUNDS    FOR 

JEWISH    WAR    SUFFERERS 


FELIX  M.   WARBURG,  Chairman 
ALBERT  LUCAS,  Secretary 


NEW     YORK 
1916 


PRESS  OF 

CLARENCES.  NATHAN,  INC. 

NEW  YORK. 


CONTENTS. 


¥ 


PAGES 

Executive  Committees  of  Relief  Bodies  Represented  by  Joint 

Distribution  Committee 5-6 

Introduction 7 

Committees  Abroad  to  Whom  Money  is  Sent  for  Distribution.  . .  9 

Reports  Received  from  Foreign  Committees: 

I.     Russia 11-64 

Reports  of  Jewish  Committee  for  Relief  to  Victims  of  the  War 12 

Report  of  November,  1915 12 

List  of  Local  Jewish  Committees 28 

List  of  Correspondents  of  Local  Committees 33 

Report  of  March  1,  1910 38 

TI.     Poland  (Territory  Occupied  by  German  Troops) 65-106 

Members  of  Hilf skomite  fur  Polen 70 

Local  Committees  in  the  Larger  Localities 71 

Report  of  Trip  Through  Courland  and  Lithuania 75 

Report  of  Activities  up  to  Present 82 

Report  of  Warsaw  Committee 97 

Report  of  American  Section 101 

in.    Austria-Hungary 107-118 

Executive  Committee  of  Israelitische  AUianz,  Vienna 107 

Report  of  IsraeHtische  Allianz,  February  17,  1916 108 

IV.  Greece  and  Turkey  (exclusive  of  Palestine) 119-130 

Letter  from  Ambassador  Henry  Morgenthau 119 

Report  of  Committee  for  Dardenelles  and  Gallipoli 110 

Report  of  Commission  for  the  Assistance  of  Families  of  Jewish 

Soldiers  in  Turkey 122 

Reports  of  Chief  Rabbi  of  Salonica 123 

V.  Palestine % 131-140 

Report  of  Dr.  Arthur  Ruppin 131 

Agreement  for  Distribution  of  Relief  Funds  in  Palestine 134 

Statement  of  Expenditures  of  American  Funds  up  to  April  11, 

1915 136 

Soup  Kitchens 137 

Food  Ship  "Vulcan" 137 

VI.  Alexandria,  Egypt 141-150 

Report  of  Committee  for  the  Assistance  of  Jewish  Refugees  from 

Palestine  and  Syria 141 

VII.  Switzerland.' 151-154 

Report  of  Central  Committee  for  Jewish  Students  in  Switzer- 
land          151 

3 


y 


AMERICAN   JEWISH   RELIEF   COMMITTEE 


Louis  Marshall 
Felix  M.  Warburg 
Cyrus  L.  Sulzberger 
David  M.  Bressler 


Chairman 

Treasurer 

Secretary 

Asst.  Secretary 


Dr.  Cyrus  Adler 

Isaac  Adler 

Louis  D.  Brandeis 

Caesar  Cone 

Col.  Harry  Cutler 

Samuel  Dorf 

Harry  Fischel 

J.  Walter  Freiberg 

Dr.  Harry  Friedenwald 

Rabbi  Moses  J.  Gries 


Mrs.  Janet  S.  Harris 
Rev.  Dr.  Emil  G.  Hirsch 
Louis  E.  Kir  stein 
E.  W.  Lewin-Epstein 
Hon.  Meyer  London 
Harriet  B.  Lowenstein 
Hon.  Julian  W.  Mack 
Dr.  J.  L.  Magnes 
Samuel  Phillipson 
Julius  Rosenwald 


Hon.  Leon  Sanders 
Jacob  H.  Schiff 
Col.  Moses  Schoenberg 
Mrs.  Abram  Simon 
Hon.  Oscar  S.  Strauss 
Hon.  Mayer  Sulzberger 
Col.  Isaac  M.  Ullman 
A.  Leo  Weil 
Col.  Harris  Weinstock 


CENTRAL   RELIEF   COMMITTEE 


Leon  Kamaiky  . 
Rabbi  Israel  Rosenberg 
Rabbi  Meyer  Berlin 
Peter  Wernik  . 
Julius  Dukas 
Harry  Fischel  . 
Albert  Lucas    . 
Morris  Engelman 
Stanley  Bero    . 


Chairman 


Vice- Chairmen 


Treasurer 

Executive  Secretary 

Financial  Secretary' 

Manager 


Rabbi  S.  H.  Click 
Rabbi  Benjamin  B.  Guth 
Rabbi  H.  S.  Goldstein 
Rabbi  Solomon  E.  Jafife 
Rabbi  Philip  Klein 
Rabbi  Joseph  Konvitz 
Rabbi  J.  Levenberg 
Rabbi  B.  L.  Leventhal 
Rabbi  M.  S.  Margolies 
Rabbi  I.  Siegel 
Rabbi  Aaron  Teitelbaum 
Rev.  Dr.  B.  Drachman 
Rev.  Dr.  Moses  Hyamson 
Rev.  Philip  Jaches 
Rev.  H.  Masliansky 
Rev.  Dr.  H.  P.  Mendes 
Rev.  H.  S.  Morias 
Rev.  Dr.  Max  Raisin 
Hon.  Joseph  Barondess 


Dr.  Paul  J.  Bauerberg 
Guedalia  Bubelik 
S.  S.  Bloom 
I.  L.  Brill 
Moses  Davis 
Henry  Eiser 
C.  Joshua  Epstein 
William  Fischman 
Aaron  Garfunkel 
Samuel  Goldstein 
Jacob  Ginsburg 
Philip  Hersh 
Louis  I.  Kapit 
David  Kass 
Wolf  Klebansky 
E.  W.  Lewin-Epstein 
Nathan  Lamport 
William  B.  Leaf 


A.  Lubarsky 
Samuel  Mason 
Moritz  Neuman 
Rabbi  M.  Peikus 
Israel  H.  Perskin 
Moses  H.  Phillips 
Hon.  N.  Taylor  Phillips 
Nathan  Roggen 
J.  Rokeaoh 
G.  S.  Roth 
William  Roth 
Hon.  Leon  Sanders 
Michael  Salit 
Ezekiel  Sarasohn 
L.  Schwartz 
Elias  Surut 
Leon  Tuchman 
Isidore  White 


36Ii(n; 


PEOPLE'S   RELIEF   COMMITTEE 


Hon.  Meyer  London 
Sholom  Ash 
Jacob  Panken   . 
Dr.  S.  Ellsberg 
Sholom  Goldberg     . 
Samuel  Heller 

ChONON   J.    MiNIKES 

A.  I.  Shiplacoff 
Dr.  Julius  Rudisch 
Dr.  B.  Hoffman 
Dr.  Anna  Aronovich 
Mrs.  Philip  Lewisohn 
Boris  Fingerhood    . 

B.  Zuckerman    . 


Chairman 

Vice-Chairmen 
Treasurer 


Chairmen  of 
Sub-  Committees 


Executive  Secretary 
Secretary  for  Out-of-Town 


Jacob  P.  Adler 

Dr.  Anna  Aronovich 

Sholom  Ash 

A.  Back 

I.  Berkenblitt 

Rev.  M.  Berlin 

Herman  Bernstein 

R.  Block 

Dr.  I.  J.  Bluestone 

Meyer  Brown 

G.  Bublik 

Abraham  Cahan 

Dr.  H.  Climenko 

Dr.  Michael  Cohen 

Isidor  Cohen 

Charles  A.  Co  wen 

Dr.  Fanny  Dembo 

Peter  Diamond 

S.  Diamond 

M.  Drujanoff 

Dr.  Samuel  Ellsberg 

H.  Ehrenreich 

Joel  Entin 

E.  W.  Lewin-Epstein 

M.  Epstein 

H.  Eiser 

Rabbi  J.  Eskolsky 

J.  G.  Feit 

M.  M.  Fertig 

E.  Fife 

Louis  Fife 

Boris  Fingerhood 

M.  GiHs 

Dr.  M.  Girsdansky 

I.  Gonikman 

M.  Goodman 

Ab.  Goldberg 

Isaac  Goldberg 

Dr.  J.  Halpern 

J.  Halpern 

Mrs.  M.  Halperin 


Adolph  Held 

Ab.  Heller 

Samuel  Heller 

A.  Hershkovitz 

Dr.  B.  Hoffman 

Max  Hollander 

Dr.  I.  Hourvitch 

S.  Janovsky 

Dr.  S.  Joseph 

H.  Kahn 

Rabbi  M.  A.  Kaplan 

Dr.  Paul  Kaplan 

David  Kessler 

C.  Karlinger 

Albert  Kruger 

Krotchmar- 1  sraeli 

Meyer  London 

Louis  B.  London 

Harry  Lang 

Leo  Lerner 

I.  Irving  Lipsitch 

S.  Levinson 

Louis  Lipsky 

Max  Luloff 

Dr.  J.  L.  Magnes 

Dr.  H.  Masliansky 

Jos.  S.  Marcus 

S.  Metz 

J.  Meltzner 

Chonon  J.  Minikes 

Ab.  Mitchel 

A.  Mintz 

Jacob  Milch 

Leon  Moisseiff 

Dr.  Henry  Moskovitz 

M.  Olgin 

Jacob  Panken 

Max  Pine 

Mrs.  A.  Pastor 

David  Pinsky 


6 


S.  Polacoff 
Dr.  S.  E.  Posin 
Abraham  Reisin 
B.  G.  Richards 
Max  Perlman 
Hilel  Rogoff 
Dr.  F.  F.  Rosenblatt 
M.  Rothenberg 
Z.  N.  Rubinstein 
H.  Salant 
H.  R.  Segal 
Bernard  Semel 

A.  I.  Shiplacoff 
Abr.  Shomer 

J.  Shlosberg 
W.  Schwartz 
S.  Shore 

B.  Shlesinger 
Victor  Shwartz 

A.  Solovioff 
I.  Spectorsky 
S.  Spector 
Sol.  Suffrin 

J.  Spray regen 

M.  Stern 

Boris  Thomashefsky 

S.  Thau 

L.  Tropp 

M.  Turitz 

Rabbi  D.  Twersky 

G.  Vishniak 

Mrs.  Warshavsky 

Philip  Wattenberg 

B.  Weinstein 

Dr.  J.  M.  Waimeld 
Barnet  Wolff 
Israel  I.  Wolff 
Dr.  Ch.  Zhitlovsky 
B.  Zuckerman 
Max  Zuckerman 


INTRODUCTION. 

The  reports  contained  in  this  book  are  those  which  have  recently 
been  received  by  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee.  They  are 
pubHshed  in  order  to  acquaint  the  pubHc  with  the  methods  of  dis- 
tribution of  the  funds  raised  in  America  for  the  rehef  of  Jews  suffering 
through  the  war.  The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  consists  of 
representatives  of  the  American  Jewish  Rehef  Committee,  the 
Central  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  Jews  Suffering  Through  the 
War  and  the  Peoples'  Relief  Committee,  the  names  of  whose  Execu- 
tive Committees  are  given  on  pages  5  and  6. 

Felix  M.  Warburg  is  Chairman  and  Albert  Lucas,  Secretary, 
of  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee.  It  was  established  November 
27,  1914,  after  a  conference  between  representatives  of  the  American 
Jewish  Rehef  Committee  and  the  Central  Rehef  Committee.  The 
Peoples'  Relief  Committee  was  invited  to  send  representatives  to 
the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  on  November  29,  1915. 

Every  effort  is  continually  being  made  to  obtain  detailed  infor- 
mation as  to  the  conditions  in  the  various  War  Zones.  The  Joint 
Distribution  Committee,  when  making  appropriations  is,  however, 
compelled  to  rely  upon  the  information  contained  in  the  last  cable- 
grams received  from  its  correspondents.  The  detailed  reports,  such 
as  those  pubHshed  in  this  book,  are  of  course  received  very  much 
later. 

The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  has  a  sub-committee  of 
six  members  which  receives  and  digests  all  reports  from  belligerent 
cotmtries  and  which  upon  the  basis  of  such  reports  makes  recom- 
mendations or  appropriations  to  the  full  committee. 

The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  fully  recognizes  the  grave 
responsibihty  which  the  collection  and  distribution  of  these  relief 
funds  imposes  upon  it.  Its  deliberations,  even  after  the  reports 
have  been  digested  by  the  Committee  of  Six,  engage  the  most  earnest 
consideration  of  its  members,  who  devote  the  greatest  care  in  the 
discharge  of  th^ir  onerous  duties. 

The  delays  in  the  receipt  of  reports  from  the  different  com- 
mittees abroad  and  the  fact  that  it  is  impossible  from  this  end  to 

7 


decide  as  to  the  best  methods  to  be  employed  for  the  relief  of  the 
appalling  distress,  has  led  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  to 
arrange  to  send  a  commission  of  its  own  representatives  to  investi- 
gate the  situation  on  the  spot  and  to  establish  permanent  distribution 
agencies  responsible  directly  to  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

The  opinions  of  interested  parties  as  to  the  decisions  and  appor- 
tionments of  funds  made  by  the  foreign  committees  are  of  great 
value  and  are  carefully  considered,  but  each  district,  even  each  town 
and  each  village,  asserts  that  its  loss  is  the  greatest.  These  state- 
ments, while  perfectly  natural,  are  merely  based  upon  a  close  view 
of  the  loss  of  life  and  ruin  of  property,  by  which  the  individual,  in 
each  place,  is  stirrounded. 

The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  has  exerted  every  effort  to 
place  the  relief  fimds  in  the  hands  of  a  responsible  committee  in 
each  country,  which  can,  upon  a  judgment  formed  after  a  general 
survey  of  the  situation  as  it  is  contained  in  each  zone,  apportion 
the  money  for  the  best  interests,  .present  and  future,  of  the  himdreds 
of  thousands  of  people  that  it  is  endeavoring  to  assist.  No  estimate 
can  be  formed  at  this  time  as  to  the  simi  which  eventually  will  have 
to  be  raised  by  the  Jews  in  America,  and  in  publishing  these  reports 
the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  merely  desires  to  give  the  pubHc 
an  understanding  of  the  vastness  of  the  distress  it  is  attempting  to 
assuage. 


COMMITTEES  ABROAD  TO  WHOM  MONEY  IS  SENT  FOR 

DISTRIBUTION. 

All  the  funds  collected  by  the  three  relief  committees  are  admin- 
istered by  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  working  through  various 
organizations  and  individuals  in  the  countries  at  war  or  affected  by 
the  war. 

From  January  20,  1915,  to  August  15,  1916,  there  was  sent  to 

Russia $1,800,000.00 

German-Poland 1,454,500.00 

Austro-Hungary,  including  Galicia 1,0(55,000.00 

Palestine,  including  "Vulcan" 403,788 .09 

Greece  and  Turkey  other  than  Palestine ....  132,325 .  00 

Alexandria 21,000.00 

Jewish  Students  in  Swiss  Universities 5,000.00 

Tunis,  Algiers  and  Morocco 5,000 .00 

Destitute  Families  of  Russian  Jews  in  France  5,000 .  00 

As  to  RUSSIA,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  sends  funds 
to  the  Jewish  Colonization  Committee  (ICA)  which  makes  itself 
responsible  for  the  proper  distribution  of  the  money.  Thus  far 
all  funds  transmitted  to  the  ICA  have  been  turned  over  for  dis- 
tribution to  the  Jewish  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  Sufferers  from 
the  War,  which  has  its  headquarters  at  Petrograd  and  works  through 
local  committees  in  142  centers.  (See  page  28.)  The  names  of 
the  members  of  the  Jewish  Committee  at  Petrograd  and  a  report 
from  that  committee  mil  be  found  on  pages  11-64. 

As  to  those  parts  of  POLAND,  LITHUANIA  and  COURLAND 
now  under  German  occupation,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee 
sends  its  funds  for  distribution  by  Das  Judisches  Hilfscomitd  fur 
Polen,  with  headquarters  in  Berlin  and  sub-committees  in  localities 
throughout  the  occupied  territories.  The  personnel  of  this  com- 
mittee and  a  report  of  its  work  will  be  found  on  pages  65-101. 

On  October  25,  1915,  the  stun  of  $100,000  was  sent  to  the  Ameri- 
can Consul  at  WARSAW  for  distribution  by  a  designated  com- 
mittee. The  report  of  this  committee  will  be  found  on  pages 
101-106. 

As  to  AUSTRIA-HUNGARY  and  those  parts  of  POLAND 
UNDER  AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN  RULE,  the  Joint  Distribution 
Committee  sends  its  funds    for   distribution   by   the   Israelitische 

9 


Allianz  zu  Wien.  This  committee  works  in  cooperation  with  local 
committees  in  several  hundred  centers  of  Jewish  population,  and  a 
list  of  the  executive  and  a  report  of  its  work  will  be  found  on  pages 
107-118. 

As  to  TURKEY,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  sends  funds 
to  the  American  Embassy  at  Constantinople  for  distribution  through 
committees  accredited  by  it.  The  Joint  Distribution  Committee 
has  not  received  any  detailed  reports  of  the  manner  in  which  the 
funds  transmitted  for  the  relief  of  the  Jews  in  Turkey  have  been 
disbursed,  but  general  information  on  this  head  will  be  found  on 
pages  119-123. 

As  to  SALONICA  and  contiguous  territory,  the  Joint  Distribu- 
tion Committee  sends  funds  to  Chief  Rabbi  Jacob  Meir  of  Salonica. 
The  report  of  their  distribution  will  be  found  on  pages  123-129. 

As  to  PALESTINE,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  sends 
funds  to  Dr.  Otis  A.  Glazebrook,  Consul  of  the  United  States  at 
Jerusalem,  for  distribution  through  committees  appointed  by  the 
Joint  Distribution  Committee.  The  report  of  the  relief  work  in 
Palestine  will  be  found  on  pages  131-140. 

Shortly  after  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  a  large  number  of  Russian 
Jews  were  either  expelled,  or  fled,  from  Palestine  to  ALEXANDRIA 
(EGYPT) .  The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  has  made  appropria- 
tions for  their  relief.  The  report  of  the  local  Committee  will  be  found 
on  pages  141-149. 

The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  also  sent  various  stmis  to 
SWITZERLAND  for  the  rehef  of  Russo- Jewish  students  of  Swiss 
universities.  These  funds  were  transmitted  to  Mr.  Herman  Conheim, 
an  American  who  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war  was  at  Zurich,  for 
distribution  through  committees  accredited  by  him.  Mr.  Conheim 's 
report  will  be  found  on  pages  151-158. 

The  committee  feels  that  there  is  no  need  of  describing  the 
terrible  conditions  among  the  Jews  in  the  war  zone,  beyond  the 
simple  statements  contained  in  the  reports  from  the  various  coun- 
tries herewith  presented  to  the  Jewish  public  in  America.  We 
would  say  in  all  solemnity  that  although  large  sums  of  money  have 
thus  far  been  sent  for  the  relief  of  the  Jews  in  the  war  zone,  the 
need  for  much  larger  fimds  is  ever  present.  The  committee  hopes 
that  the  facts  and  figures  herewith  produced  will  arouse  the 
American  Jews  to  renewed  efforts  on  behalf  of  their  brethren, 
much  greater  than  those  which  have  thus  far  been  manifested. 


10 


I.    RUSSIA 

Funds  appropriated  by  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  for 
Russia  are  transmitted  to  the  I.  C.  A.  at  Petrograd,  which  turns 
them  over  to  the  Jewish  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  Sufferers  from 
the  War,  with  offices  at  60  Rue  Offizierskaya,  Petrograd.  The 
officers  of  this  Committee  follow: 

M.  A.  Warschavsky,  Chairman  of  the  Organizing  Committee. 
Baron  A.  de  Guinzburg, 

Chairmen  of  Executive  Committee. 


H.  Sliosberg, 

M.   GiNSBURG, 

B.  Kamenka, 

Sav.  Polak, 
D.  Feinberg, 


Treasurers. 


L.  Bramson,   I    o       j.    • 
, ,    ^^  \    Secret anes. 

M.  Kreinin,  J 

This  Committee  has  been  recognized  by  the  Government  as 
the  central  body  to  which  all  provincial  committees  and  relief  organi- 
zations address  themselves.  The  Committee  receives  Government 
subventions  and  the  most  important  Russian  donations.  At  the 
I'equest  of  the  Government,  MM.  Sliosberg  and  Sheftel  represent 
the  Committee  on  the  Government  Commission  for  Relief  of  Refugees, 
and  Baron  A.  Guinzburg  is  a  member  of  the  relief  committee  organ- 
ized by  the  Grand  Duchess  Tat}'ana  Nikolayevna. 

Although  the  Government  covers  a  great  part  of  the  expendi- 
tures for  food  and  clothing  for  the  refugees,  the  Committee  is 
compelled  to  expend  the  sum  of  1,500,000  roubles  monthly,  or 
18,000,000  roubles  for  the  year.  Of  this  amoimt,  the  Jewish  popu- 
lation cannot  be  expected  to  raise  more  than  400,000  roubles  per 
month,  or  5,000,000  roubles  for  the  year. 

The  Committee  has  under  its  care  200,000  refugees  who  are 
registered;  those  who  are  lodged  privately  bring  the  mmiber  up 
to  400,000.  These,  however,  are  only  the  refugees;  hundreds  of 
thousands  who  are  in  the  war  zone  are  also  destitute  and  in  need  of 
constant  assistance. 

11 


12  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

REPORTS     OF    JEWISH     COMMITTEE     FOR    RELIEF    TO 
VICTIMS    OF    THE    WAR. 

In  the  month  of  November,  1915,  the  Jewish  Committee  for 
the  Relief  of  War  Victims  in  Petrograd  presented  a  statement  to  the 
Russian  Minister  of  the  Interior  concerning  the  reHef  work  of  the 
Jewish  committees  in  Russia.  The  •  statement  was  made  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  from  the  Russian  Government  the  sum  of 
2,100,000  roubles  for  clothing,  shelter  and  loans  for  the  Jewish 
refugees  from  Poland  who  had  been  driven  into  inner  Russia  upon 
the  advance  of  the  German  armies.  As  a  result  of  the  statement 
of  the  Jewish  Relief  Committee,  the  Russian  Government  made  a 
grant  of  1,000,000  roubles,  which  was  used  by  the  Jewish  relief 
committees  exclusively  for  clothing  and  shoes  for  the  Jewish  refugees. 
This  item  of  itself  indicates  the  enormous  amount  of  money  needed 
for  the  elementary  needs  of  the  Jewish  refugees.  Aside  from  this 
governmental  aid,  the  Jewish  relief  committees  have  had  to  depend 
almost  entirely  upon  private  contributions.  The  report  presented 
to  the  Minister  of  the  Interior  gives  an  account  of  the  relief  work 
undertaken  by  the  Jewish  relief  committees,  and  it  is  from  this 
official  report  that  we  herewith  present  extracts  as  an  indication 
of  the  manner  in  which  the  relief  funds  from  America  have  been 
expended  in  Russia. 


REPORT  FOR  NOVEMBER,   1915. 


ORGANIZATION. 

The  committee,  which  has  worked  for  a  period  of  more  than  one  year, 
has  taken  care  of  the  Jewish  population  which  has  suffered  from  the  war;  at 
first,  its  entire  activity  was  centered  on  relieving  the  condition  of  the  sufferers 
in  the  war  zone  in  the  Polish  kingdom.  As  the  events  developed,  the  activities 
of  the  committee  were  broadened,  and,  in  co-operation  with  the  Petrograd 
committee,  committees  and  societies  for  relieving  Jewish  sufferers  from  the  war, 
were  organized  in  other  cities.  The  activities  of  all  these  organizations  were 
joined  by  the  Petrograd  committee,  which  has  in  fact  become  the  Central  Com- 
mittee. The  means  of  the  Petrograd,  as  well  as  the  other  committees  in  the 
provinces,  consisted  of  volimtary  contributions. 

TERRITORIAL   COMMITTEES. 

In  time,  the  activities  of  some  of  the  provincial  committees  assumed  a 
territorial  character,  and  were  devoted  not  only  to  the  respective  cities  in  which 
such  committees  were  formed,  but  took  up  the  joint  relief  work  to  the  refugees, 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  13 

and  to  those  who  have  been  forcibly  expelled  from  different  governments.  Of 
such  nature  is  the  organization  in  Moscow,  which  is  called  the  Society  for  Relief 
of  the  Victims  of  the  War;  in  Kieff,  the  Society  for  Helping  the  Jewish  Popula- 
tion Suffering  from  War  Activities;  in  Vilna,  Kharkoff  and  Odessa.  With  the 
closing  up  of  the  activities  of  the  Vilna  committee,  at  the  present  moment  the 
Petrograd  committee  has  assumed  the  role  of  a  unifying  center,  and  with  it 
are  acting  the  Moscow  Society  for  the  Relief  of  the  War  Victims,  the  Kieff 
society,  and  also  committees  in  the  cities  of  Kharkoff  and  Odessa. 

The  Moscow  society  is  serving  at  present  the  governments  of  Vladimir, 
Voroneszh,  Kursk,  Kaluga,  Moscow,  Nizhni-Novgorod,  Orel,  Ryazan,  Smolensk, 
Tambov  and  Tula. 

The  Kieff  committee  extends  its  activities  to  the  governments  of  Kieff, 
Podolia  and  Volhynia.  The  Kharkoff  committee  serves  the  governments  of 
Kharkoff  and  Poltava.  The  Odessa  committee  works  in  the  City  of  Odessa 
and  Government  of  Bessarabia. 

The  Petrograd  committee  extends  aid  to  refugees  in  all  other  governments, 
in  European  Russia,  as  well  as  in  Siberia. 


LOCAL   COMMITTEES. 

The  Petrograd  committee,  as  well  as  other  territorial  committees,  act 
through  local  committees  in  every  separate  urban  community,  where  there 
are  Jewish  refugees.  A  list  of  the  local  Jewish  committees,  and  of  organizations 
for  the  relief  of  the  victims  of  the  war,  is  herewith  attached.  (Supplement  I.) 
The  number  of  these  is  at  present  143.  Besides,  in  all  different  places,  where 
there  was  need  of  relieving  refugees,  and  where  there  is  no  committee  in  existence, 
aid  is  extended  through  authorized  persons  chosen  from  the  local  civic  workers; 
the  list  of  such  places  contains  161  population  points  (See  Supplement  2). 

The  organization  of  local  committees,  the  watching  over  their  activities, 
as  well  as  the  investigations  into  the  conditions  of  the  refugees,  falls  on  the 
authorized  representatives  of  Petrograd  committee,  as  well  as  of  other  terri- 
torial committees  who  are  chosen  from  the  best-fitted  and  experienced  persons. 
The  Petrograd  committee,  at  the  present  time,  has  30  such  agents,  and  the 
Moscow  eight  agents  and  three  assistants. 

The  local  committee,  with  the  direct  help  of  its  agents,  makes  up  the  list 
of  the  requirements  for  relief,  and  this  is  presented  to  the  Petrograd  or  respective 
territorial  committee  for  final  approval.  The  moneys  appropriated  are,  in  most 
cases,  spent  under  direct  supervision  of  the  agents.  Detailed  reports  of  such  ex- 
penditures are  presented  to  the  Petrograd  or  corresponding  territorial  committee. 
Such  reports  are  also  presented  by  the  agents,  who  have  made  direct  expenditures 
for  giving  relief  to  refugees,  and  also  by  local  civic  workers  to  whom  certain 
amounts  have  been  assigned  for  specific  purposes. 


GENERAL   ORGANIZATIONS   GIVING   AID  OF  A  SPECIAL  KIND. 

Along  with  the  committees  above  mentioned,  relief  work  for  refugees  is 
also  effected  by  other  Jewish  organizations,  which  have  been  in  existence  prior 
to  the  war  and  which,  since  the  commencement  of  the  war,  have  made  it  their 
object  to  satisfy  definite  needs  of  the  population,  which  has  suffered  from  the 


14  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

war.  In  the  list  of  such  organizations  are,  first  of  all,  the  Society  for  Preserving 
the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Population;  this  Society  has  a  whole  chain  of  branches 
in  the  provinces,  and  extends  medico-sanitary  aid,  and  also  provides  the  homes 
for  the  children  of  refugees;  second,  the  Society  of  Industrial  and  Agricultural 
Work  Among  the  Jews,  which  has  established  a  special  department  of  relief 
works  for  Jewish  refugees,  with  a  chain  of  branches  of  bureaus  in  places  where 
Jewish  refugees  are  congregating;  third,  the  Society  for  Spreading  Education 
Among  the  Jews  which  attends  to  educational  and  cultural  needs. 

The  work  of  all  these  organizations  is  at  present  in  very  close  touch  with 
the  activities  of  the  Petrograd  Jewish  Committee.  They  receive  from  it  appro- 
priations. Through  the  united  efforts  of  all  these  organizations,  the  following 
has  been  effected:  (a)  Relief  work  for  the  Jewish  population  in  the  Polish 
kingdom,  mainly  in  Warsaw,  where  the  direct  care  of  the  refugees  was  performed 
in  the  Jewish  Communal  Administrative  Bureau  in  Warsaw,  which  has  con- 
trolled the  relief  work  of  various  government  committees  of  Poland;  (b)  The 
evacuation  and  the  distribution  of  refugees,  and  of  those  who  have  been  forcibly 
expelled  from  the  governments  of  Suvalki,  Courland,  Kovna;  (c)  The  evacuation 
of  concentration  points  in  governments  of  Grodna  and  Vilna,  just  prior  to  their 
capture  by  the  enemy,  and,  at  the  present  moment,  evacuation  by  refugees  of 
different  points,  Dvinsk,  Polotzk,  Minsk,  is  being  effected;  (d)  Relief  of 
refugees  is  being  organized  in  their  new  settlements,  and  means  are  taken  for 
their  proper  distribution  from  more  congested  places  to  the  nearest  points. 


REGISTRATION  OF  REFUGEES. 

In  all  new  settlement  places  there  is  kept  an  accurate  registry  of  refugees 
who  have  been  helped  by  the  committees. 

Information  about  the  number  of  refugees  is  furnished  by  all  committees 
to  the  Petrograd  committee,  where  weekly  bulletins  are  issued. 


NUMBER  OF  REFUGEES. 

On  the  third  of  this  month  there  have  been  registered  by  committees  about 
155,925  Jewish  refugees  who  have  received  aid.  This  number  does  not  include 
the  considerable  mass  of  refugees  in  the  Governments  of  Podolia,  Volhynia, 
Bessarabia,  and  others  from  which  there  is  no  acciu-ate  information,  and  also 
does  not  include  the  number  of  those  refugees,  who  cannot  be  counted,  because 
they  are  still  in  the  zone  of  war  activities,  such  as:  Polotzk,  Molodeschno, 
Baranovichi,  Sarni,  Pinsk,  Kamenetz-Podolsk,  and  others.  Nor  are  included 
in  this  list,  those  of  the  refugees  who  have  received  relief  from  the  Jewish  organi- 
zations, but  have  subsequently  settled  in  different  places  and  have  ceased  to 
depend  on  them. 

A  census  of  refugees  by  governments  and  separate  communities  is  herewith 
attached  (Supplement  III).  Throughout  the  period  of  the  activities  of  the 
Petrograd  Committee,  relief  was  rendered  to  the  sufferers  from  the  war  in  348 
points.     A  list  of  which  is  attached  herewith  (Supplement  IV). 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  16 

n. 

INCOME  AND  DISBURSEMENTS  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  UP  TO 
NOVEMBER  1,  1915. 

Receipts. 

From  members  of  the  Petrograd  Jewish  Society  and  from 

out  of  town  (America,  etc.) R.    1,877,776.75 

From  the  Moscow  Committee 14,408 .  14 

For  Special  Purposes 144,518 .00 

Various  contributions   (auction  of  paintings  donated  by- 
artists,  from  concerts,  from  collections  among  Jews  and 

other  persons  and  institutions) 188,766 .67 

Contributions  received  and  placed  to  the  account  of  repre- 
sentatives of  zones  in  Petrograd 16,498.65 

Interest  on  open  account 1,517 .85 


Total  Contributions R.  2,243,426.06 

3  appropriations,  of  which  two  were  each  R.  500,000,  and 
by  the  order  of  the  Council  of  Ministers  made  in  June  and 
August  of  1915,  and  also  from  the  credit  of  the  Special 
Council,  dated  August  24,  1915,  R.  500,000 1,500,000.00 


R.   3,743,426.06 


Disbursements. 

Expended  up  to  November  1,  1915,  for  various  accounts 
of  relief  to  Jewish  sufferers  from  the  war,  refugees,  and 
forcibly-ejected  persons: 

(a)  Relief  to  organizations  and  com- 
mittees of  Poland: 

1.  In  Warsaw,  through  the  Jewish 
Communal  Bureau  and  local  or- 
ganizations, "Ezra"  and  others. .  .R.  811,020.00 

2.  In  the  City  of  Warsaw 12,058 .  15 

3.  In  Lodz 1,300.00 

4.  In  the  City  of  Lomzha  (outside 
of  sums  spent  through  the  Moscow 
Committee) 10,850.00 

5.  Suwalki 7,625 .00 

6.  Government  of  Lublin — by  the 
Government  Committee 130,524.94 

7.  Radom 50,092 .00 

8.  Government  of  Kielce 46,235.00 

R.  1,069,705.09 

(b)  By  organizations  of  the  Northwest: 

1.  Kovna R.  40,655.00 

2.  Vilna 15,350.00 

3.  Government  of  Vilna 8,340.00 

(In  Kovna,  aid  rendered  by  Mos- 
cow Committee,  R.  142,  348 .43). 

64,345.00 

(c)  In  the  Southwest: 

(Help  in  these  parts  was  mostly  ren- 
dered by  the  Kieff  Committee) 18,710 .00 


16  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

(d)  Assistance  with  food,  clothing,  shoes 
and  evacuation  expenses. 

1.  To  the  refugees  from  Govern- 
ments of  Kovna  and  Wilna.  By 
the  Wilna  Committee  (outside  of 
money  spent  by  the  Committee 

on  its  own  account,  R.  150,000) .  .R.  467,015.00 

2.  To  persons  expelled  from  parts 
of  Kovna  and  Courland,  through 
the  Committee  of  Riga  (outside  of 
its  own  expenditures,  and  from 
moneys  collected  by  local  com- 
mittees, about  R.  150,000) 100,000.00 

3.  In  Kovna,  by  local  organizations       51,925.34 

4.  To  refugees  in  new  places  of 
settlement  by  local  committees 
(besides  sums  spent  by  the  Mos- 
cow, Kharkoff  and  Kieff  com- 
mittees    1,025,671.22 

5.  For  clothing  and  shoes  to  the 

Moscow   Committee 150,000.00 

6.  Clothing,  shoes  and  food  to  the 

Kieff  Committee 95,000 .00 

R.  1,898,611.56 

(e)  Relief  to  war  victims  in  Petrograd, 
and  to  individual  professional  persons, 
loans  to  rabbis,  and  also  for  the  main- 
tenance of  refugees  in  Petrograd 95,839 .41 

(f)  To  labor  organizations  (relief  by 
employment),  through  the  Society  of 

Industrial  and  Agricultural  Labor 66,995.00 

(g)  Medical  relief  and  special  food  aid: 

Through  the  Red  Cross  Society R.  1,000 .00 

Purchase  and  delivery  of  Passover  food 
for  Jewish  soldiers  at  the  front  and 
rear  parts  of  the  army,  from  general 
funds  for  this  purpose,  R.  80,000.00, 
and  from  committee  funds 12,500.00 

Sanitary  feeding  stations 34,519 .99 

Expenditures  for  medical  help,  etc.  . .  .  5,500.00 

For  increasing  the  means  of  the  society 
for  preserving  the  health  of  the 
Jewish  population,  which  has  or- 
ganized a  medical  division,  homes 
for  children,  furnishes  transport- 
ation for  drug  supplies,  following  up 
the  refugees  with  physicians,  nurses, 
etc.  (above  the  amount  spent  by  the 
same  society  and  its  branch  in  Mos- 
cow, amounting  to  over  150,000  R.)        25,000.00 

78,569.99 

(h)   Educational  relief: 

To  the  Society  for  spreading  education 
among  the  Jews  (from  the  funds  of 
the  committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess 
Tatyana  Nikolayevna,  relief  is 
granted  only  from  October,  1915).  .     R.  8,000.00 

To  the  Jewish  schools  and  Talmud 
Torahs. ". 15,250.00 

For  the  needs  of  scholars 8,000 .  00 

Sundries 7,150.00 

38,400.00 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  17 

(i)  Relief  to  Jews  in  Galicia,  through  the 
institutions  in  the  city  of  Lemberg 
(besides  amounts  spent  by  the  Kieff 
committee    of    90,000    R.     and    the 

Odessa  committee  of  30,000  R.) R.  109,000.00 

(j)    Relief  to  Jews  removed  from  Syria 

and  Palestine 11,000.00 

(k)  Credit  relief  by  increasing  the  means 
of   the   savings   societies  by   covering 

75  per  cent,  of  losses 141,750.00 

(1)    General  and  Organization  Expenses: 
Maintenance,  transportation  and  allow- 
ance of  agents . .  R.  56,247 .26 

Transportation  expenses  of  guides  in 

the  refugee  trains 1,496 .  19 

Office,  postage,  telegraph,  printing  and 
the  maintenance  of  the  registration 

of  the  information  bureaus 38,856 .  12 

96,599.57 

All  which  of  represents  about  2 . 6  per 
cent,  of  the  moneys  expended. 

Total  expended 3,689.525.62 

Balance  on  hand,  Nov.  1,  1915 53,900.44 

R.    3.743,426.06 


EXPENDITURES   OF   THE   RELIEF  FUNDS   OF  THE   OTHER 
COMMITTEES. 

The  Moscow  Territorial  Committee  (the  special  committee  for  relieving 
the  victims  of  the  war)  has  rendered  aid  in  some  parts  of  Poland  and  the  Govern- 
ment of  Grodno,  and  also  in  ten  interior  governments,  where  there  are  registered 
about  26,000  and  about  2,000  unregistered,  altogether  about  28,000  persons. 
This  committee  has  received  up  to  November  over  R.  150,000,  assigned  by  the 
Petrograd  committee  for  clothes  and  shoes. 

Contributions  in  Moscow  alone R.  659,583 .52 

Out  of  town  and  other  cities 95,779 .35 

Total R.  755,262 .  87 

Of  this  there  have  been  expended  by  allotments  to  organizations  for  sanitary 
and  food  assistance  and  for  the  maintenance  of  children's  homes: 

Through  the  Moscow  Branch  of  the  Society  for  preserving 
the  health  of  the  Jewish  population  and  for  the  organ- 
ization of  employment  bureaus R.  57,512 .85 

The  Moscow  Branch  of  the  Society  for  industrial  and 

agricultural  labor  has  received 12,370 .00 

Total R.  82,946.90 

For  food  supplies 416,882 .65 

For  the  manufacture  of  warm  clothing  has  been  spent 

so  far 45,870.00 

For  assistance  to  refugees  in  Moscow 92,430 .  19 

Total R.  738,131.74 


•  At  a  meeting,  held  November  2,  this  amount  and  more  was  distributed. 


18  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

A  detailed  account  of  the  Kieff  Committee  dated  August  1, 
1915,  shows  that  there  have  been  collected  in  the  City  of  Kieff. .     R.  321,149.56 

From  out  of  town 48,886.48 

From  the  Committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatyana 

Nikolayevna 4,000.00 

Total R.  374,016.04 

The  expenditures  for  reHef  in  Warsaw 27,623 .94 

Government  of  Volhynia 27,378.00 

PodoHa 16.000.00 

Kholm 12,584.57 

Chernigoff 40,215.00 

Taurida 5,000.00 

For  the  medical  division 5,751 .36 

For  refugees  from  Palestine 12,000 .00 

To  the  Lemberg  Committee  from  Galicia 83,500.00 

For   increasing,  the    General   Funds   of   the   Petrograd 

Committee 25,000.00 

Aid  to  the  refugees  in  Kieff 43,931 .83 

Organization  and  General  Expenses 12,410 .48 

During  August  33,698.28  roubles  were  expended,  and  then  after  the  funds 
have  been  exhausted  and  the  amount  of  95,000  roubles  have  been  assigned  from 
the  funds  of  the  Petrograd  Committee  for  the  making  of  clothing  and  shoes. 

The  Kharkoff  Committee,  which  serves  at  the  present  time  only  the  Gov- 
ernment of  Kharkoff  and  other  individual  points  of  the  South,  there  is  no  detailed 
report  yet,  but  according  to  the  information,  which  the  Petrograd  Committee 
possesses,  there  have  been  collected  and  spent  about  R.  180,000.  The  Odessa 
Committee  collected  and  spent  over  R.  200,000  independently  of  the  larger 
territorial  committees,  the  local  committees  organized  in  more  thickly  settled 
centers  by  considerable  numbers  of  Jews,  who  receive  aid  from  the  Central  and 
Territorial  Committees  only  on  condition  that  they  take  part  in  the  expenses 
for  helping  the  refugees  in  more  or  less  degree,  and  also  that  the  funds  should 
be  raised  in  the  respective  places. 

These  amounts  are  at  present  not  yet  outlined,  but  their  extent  can  be 
judged  from  the  following  statements  which  are  on  file  with  the  Petrograd 
Committee : 

In  the  City  of  Vilna  there  has  been  collected  and  ex- 
pended about R.  180,000.00 

In  Riga 150,000.00 

In  Yekaterinoslav 75,000.00 

In  Taurida,  the  monthly  activities  of  the  local  com- 
mittees amount  to  (for  the  entire  period  of  the  settle- 
ment of  the  refugees  there  was  about  100,000  roubles)  20,000.00 

In  Poltava  per  month  (about  40,000  roubles) 7,000 .00 

The  amoimt  spent  by  other  committees  is  not  given 
but  judging  by  estimates  and  demands  from  various 
places,  they  will  extend  to  no  less  than 500,000.00 

In  this  way  all  the  Jewish  organizations  for  relieving  the  victims  of  the  war 
have  spent  more  than  R.  5,000,000  collected  from  philanthropic  and  voluntary 
subscribers,  above  the  R.  1,500,000  granted  by  the  Imperial  treasury  and  above 
the  amounts,  a  little  over  R.  200,000,  which  were  granted  by  the  Committee  of 
the  Grand  Duchess  Tatyana  Nikolayevna. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  19 

III. 

SUPPLY  OF  PROVISIONS. 

Food. 

Along  with  the  grants  of  money,  which  vary  through  the  activities  of  this 
committee  from  10  kopeks  to  20  kopeks  per  day,  Jewish  organizations  have 
given  suppUes  of  provisions  by  way  of  opening  free  food  stations  for  adults  and 
also  for  children.  The  people  have,  however,  not  made  use  of  these  food  stations, 
and  therefore  this  method  of  help  was  not  extended  to  any  large  degree.  Hot 
and  cold  meals  from  the  general  kitchens  were  only  given  in  places  of  greater 
congestion  of  refugees,  but  besides  giving  the  subsidies,  the  local  committees 
have  opened,  wherever  it  appeared  possible  with  the  immediate  participation 
of  the  representatives  of  the  Petrograd  committee,  supply  warehouses  for  the 
free  distribution  of  products  or  at  greatly  reduced  prices. 

Supply  "Warehouses. 

At  the  present  time  such  supply  warehouses  have  been  opened  in  places  of 
new  settlement  of  refugees,  particularly  in  the  Governments  of  Taurida,  Poltava, 
and  Kherson  and  the  City  of  Penza,  where  products  are  sold  at  cost  or  at  some 
loss,  so  as  to  enable  those  who  receive  a  subsidy  of  no  more  than  20  kopeks  to 
improve  their  food,  and  on  the  other  hand  to  prevent  an  increase  in  the  cost  of 
articles  of  first  necessity,  which  would  certainly  have  taken  place  owing  to  the 
influx  of  new  refugees,  which  might  have  also  resulted  in  stirring  up  bad  feel- 
ing against  the  refugees,  on  the  part  of  the  local  population. 

Appropriation  by  Committees  for  Food  Supplies  Owing  to  the  Refusal  of  the 
General  Institutions  to  Furnish  Food. 

At  the  present  time  with  the  gradual  local  application  of  the  law  of 
the  30th  of  August,  1915,  and  with  the  formation  of  government  commit- 
tees through  the  help  of  national  organizations,  the  expenditures  of  the  Jewish 
committees  in  giving  food  supplies  to  refugees  are  naturally  decreasing,  but  the 
Jewish  committees  still  find  it  necessary  to  satisfy  such  needs.  Since  the  time  of 
the  first  grant  by  the  Imperial  treasury  of  R.  500,000  to  the  Jewish  committees 
in  Petrograd,  the  Department  of  Police  of  the  Ministry  of  the  Interior  has 
sent  out  a  circular  to  the  Governors  in  which  they  were  instructed  not  to  allow 
any  funds  to  the  Jewish  sufferers  from  the  war,  but  to  refer  them  to  the  Jewish 
committee.  This  circular  up  to  this  moment  has  not  been  withdrawn  by  the 
Department  of  Police,  and  therefore  in  a  large  number  of  Governments,  according 
to  the  information  received  by  the  committee,  all  requests  of  relief  are  refused, 
even  from  funds  which  have  been  assigned  for  this  purpose  by  the  Special  Con- 
ference, and  thus  subsidies  are  refused  at  the  present  moment  to  the  Jews  in 
Kursk,  Orel,  part  of  Vladimir,  and  Moscow,  in  which  there  are  about  8,000 
Jewish  refugees.  Also  according  to  information  received  from  the  Committees' 
agent  on  October  30,  the  Provincial  committee  of  the  Government  of  Yeka- 
terinoslay  has  declared  that  no  permanent  residence  for  refugees  will  be  furnished 
for  more  than  15,000,  and  that  it  will  take  care  only  of  those  who  seek  temporary 
asylum. 


20  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

The  city  committee  in  Yekaterinoslav  has  granted  for  the  maintenance  of 
of  refugees  in  private  quarters  only  4,281  roubles;  in  the  District  of  Mariupol 
only  4,000  roubles  were  received,  and  the  subsidy  in  the  Town  of  Mariupol 
was  limited  to  10  kopeks  per  day. 

In  the  Volodga  Government  the  amount R.  14,000.00 

(were  received  from  the  funds  of  the  provincial  and 
city  league.) 

In  Minsk,  the  city  league  has  granted 5,000.00 

In  other  organizations  there  have  been  received  insig- 
nificant assistance  in  the  shape  of  some  products. 

In  Saratov  the  committee  has  allowed  only  R.  15,000. 

The  Committee  hopes  that  with  the  formation  of  general  committees  in 
the  interior  of  Russia,  in  accordance  with  the  Law  of  the  30th  of  August,  the 
problem  of  furnishing  food  supplies  will  be  regulated  and  that  the  Jewish  com- 
mittees will  not  be  required  to  make  serious  appropriations  for  this  matter. 
At  present,  however,  the  Committee  is  compelled  to  assign  and  transfer  funds 
for  this  first  necessity.  During  September  and  October  there  have  been  assigned 
to  45  committees,  for  about  85,111  persons,  R.  387,697  (Supplement  V). 

The  largest  appropriation  was  required  for  the  Committee  of  Simferopol, 
which  serves  the  Government  of  Taurida,  the  amount  of  R.  40,000  for  7,584 
refugees.  The  committee  in  Mariupol  received  R.  14,000  for  2,847  refugees; 
the  Poltava  committee  with  2,584  received  R.  14,600;  the  Kieff  committee  re- 
ceived 25,000  roubles  for  feeding  about  12,000  refugees;  the  Riga  committee, 
which  at  present  is  deprived  of  all  private  means,  has  R.  15,000;  the  committee 
in  Dwinsk  has  received  R.  18,000;  the  City  of  Minsk,  with  a  number  of  28,506 
refugees,  has  received  155,000  roubles,  etc. 


IV. 

Furnishing  Warm  Clothing  and  Foot-wear  to  Refugees. 

For  the  satisfying  of  demands  for  this  article  of  primary  necessity,  the 
committee  has  received  very  small  amounts  from  the  general  funds  of  the  local 
organizations,  and  in  view  of  the  oncoming  cold  weather,  the  Jewish  committees 
were  compelled  to  assume  the  entire  burden  of  satisfying  the  demands  and  for 
lack  of  means  had  to  apply  for  funds  to  the  Petrograd  committee.  From  Sep- 
tember to  the  1st  of  November  the  committee  has  granted  to  the  Jewish  organiza- 
tions serving  105,469  persons,  R.  525,950.  To  cover  which  amount  the  committee 
has  received  from  the  committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatyana  Nikolayevna: 

For  the  City  of  Odessa R.  10,000.00 

For  the  City  of  Kieff 10,000.00 

Total R  20,000.00 

and  thus  from  the  funds  of  the  committee  there  has  been  R.  505,950.  From 
the  attached  statement  can  be  seen  that  this  demand  has  not  been  entirely 
satisfied.  Thus  in  the  Government  of  Taurida,  where  there  are  7,584  refugees, 
only  R.  5,000  were  given  for  children  of  school  age.  In  the  Government  of 
Kharkoff  the  committee  from  YeUsavetgrad  received  only  R.  17,000  for  4,496 
refugees;  the  Odessa  committee  received  R.  30,000  for  3,700.    In  the  Govern- 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  21 

ment  of  Poltava,  which  has  12,000  refugees,  so  far  R.  29,700  has  been  appro- 
priated for  furnishing  clothing  and  footwear  to  5,500  persons  who  have  been 
expelled  by  order  of  the  military  authorities.  The  Kharkoff  committee,  caring 
for  5,800  refugees  (about  2,500  more  expected),  altogether  R.  40.000  have  been 
given  to  the  Kharhoff  committee;  the  Kieff  committee  has  received  so  far 
R.  70,000  for  taking  care  of  about  12,000  refugees;  in  the  Governments  of  Podolia, 
Tchernigoff,  Volhynia  and  Bessarabia,  the  Penza  committee  received  30,000 
roubles  for  5,258  refugees;  the  Moscow  Territorial  Committee  has  received 
for  11  interior  governments  caring  for  about  28,000  refugees,  R.  150,000;  for 
the  making  of  underwear,  clothing  and  the  purchase  of  footwear  in  Petrograd, 
R.  66,000  have  been  allotted.  From  reports  received  by  the  committee,  it 
appears  that  nearly  three-fourths  of  the  entire  number  of  refugees  are  greatly 
suffering  from  lack  of  clothing,  footwear  and  underwear.  From  estimates 
received  from  many  refugee  stations,  the  expense  for  furnishing  footwear,  clothing 
and  underwear  to  those  who  need  it  most  an  average  of  15  roubles  per  person  is 
required.  Moneys  allotted  to  the  local  organizations  are  spent  for  the  purchase 
of  material  for  necessary  articles,  and  these  are  manufactured  exclusively  in 
large  quantities.  The  commission  organized  by  the  Petrograd  committee  for 
the  purchase  and  manufacture  of  clothing,  underwear  and  footwear  has  obtained 
in  Nizhni- Novgorod  about  6,0C0  pairs  of  boots  for  adults  and  1,140  pairs  of 
shoes  for  young  people,  at  an  expense  of  R.  26,000.  This  footwear  was  divided 
between  the  committees  of  Saratov,  Samara,  Moscow,  etc.  Through  theWomen's 
Circle  for  employment  relief  and  care  of  girls  and  protection  of  women, 
underwear  to  the  value  of  R.  20,000  has  been  manufactured  at  various  times.  In 
Moscow  thefe  were  prepared  footwear  and  clothing  to  the  extent  of  R.  115,000. 
In  Nizhni-Novgorod  2,000  new  warm  coats,  felt  footwear  and  head  covers, 
R.  25,000.  Footwear  is  also  manufactured  in  Khimroch. 

From  detailed  estimates  received  from  local  territorial  committees  the 
demand  for  funds  for  clothing  and  footwear  amounts  to  R.  928,175  (Supplement 
VI).  From  this  it  appears  that  the  committee  has  spent  R.  505,950,  but  there 
is  still  an  urgent  demand  for  these  articles,  to  satisfy  which,  it  would  require 
R.  422,285. 


Shelter  and  Fuel. 

The  impossibility  of  placing  refugees  in  private  quarters,  in  view  of  the 
acute  sheltering  problem  in  all  cities  of  the  land,  has  compelled  the  Jewish  com- 
mittee to  use  for  this  purpose,  in  most  cases,  synagogues,  schools,  quarters  of 
philanthropic  institutions,  and  has  created  a  demand  for  building  asylums  and 
communal  living  places.  The  unfitness,  not  to  speak  of  the  undesirability  of 
using  prayer  houses  and  schoolhouses  as  living  quarters,  has  induced  the  Jewish 
organizations  to  turn  to  the  Petrograd  committee  with  applications  for  appro- 
priating necessary  means  for  quarters  and  fuel  for  refugees,  and  it  is  justly  urged 
that  the  huddling  of  refugees  in  communal  quarters  creates  a  danger  in  such 
places,  in  a  sanitary  sense,  demoraHzing  the  masses  of  refugees  and  interferes 
with  the  finding  of  labor  and  occupation  for  them.  Recognizing  the  importance 
of  this  consideration,  the  committee  has  urgently  recommended  to  take  steps 
tov/ard  placing  the  refugees  in  private  quarters.  According  to  estimates  received 
from  local  organizations,  the  cost  of  quarters  and  fuel  would  on  an  average 


22  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

amount  to  R.  2,  in  some  places,  and  according  to  estimates  of  the  Moscow  com- 
mittee, R.  5  a  month  on  an  average,  counting  adults  and  children. 

On  account  of  lack  of  sufficient  funds,  the  committee  has  satisfied  these 
demands  only  in  a  very  limited  measure.  The  expenditures  for  this  purpose 
during  September  and  October  are  shown  in  Supplement  VII.  The  expenditures 
under  this  head  for  Simferopol  amounted  to  R.  15,000,  which  were  used  for  the 
securing  of  coal  for  heating  refugee  quarters;  while  the  amount  required  for  this 
purpose  for  the  whole  winter  will  exceed  R.  80,000;  for  coal  costing  R.  47,000, 
the  Penza  committee  was  allowed  for  October,  R.  23,000,  from  which  R.  20,000 
for  furnishing  fuel,  while  the  expense  for  fuel  for  private  quarters  will  amount  to 
R.  3,000  per  month,  and  the  delivery  of  the  fuel  to  the  barracks,  synagogues 
and  other  places  will  increase  this  amount  very  much.  Altogether  there  has 
been  expended  in  September  and  October  by  the  Petrograd  committee,  R.  93,000. 
The  demands  for  the  immediate  time  is  figured  at  R.  2  per  month  per  person, 
and  counting  160,000  refugees,  it  would  require  R.  320,700,  to  cover  which  the 
committee  at  present  has  not  enough  funds.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  general 
organizations  are  not  receiving  any  moneys  from  the  credits  of  the  Special  Con- 
ference, with  the  exception  of  very  few  cases,  the  necessary  means  must  be 
supplied  by  the  Petrograd  committee. 


yi. 

RELIEF  BY  EMPLOYMENT. 
Relief  for  the  Unemployed.  • 

The  department  of  labor  relief  connected  with  the  Society  of  Industrial 
and  Agricultural  Labor  among  the  Jews  in  Russia,  has  at  the  beginning  of  its 
activities  struggled  mainly  with  the  problem  of  unemployment  and  furnishing 
trade  and  industrial  occupations  under  the  conditions  of  war  time.  The  repre- 
sentatives of  this  department  have  visited  for  this  purpose  a  large  number  of 
centers  (Vilna,  Minsk,  Kieff,  Zhitomir,  Umain,  Rostoff,  Dvinsk,  Warsaw) 
in  which  they  have  investigated  the  unemployment  problem. 

Organization  of  Workshops. 

Along  this  line  experiments  were  made  to  open  up  workshops  for  the  purpose 
of  teaching  productive  labor.  These  shops  were  formed  with  the  cooperation 
of  the  Branch  and  its  representatives — in  the  city  of  Vilna,  for  the  making  of 
stockings,  sugar  boxes,  tailoring  and  white  goods  manufacturing;  in  Warsaw, 
mechanical,  tailoring,  saddlery,  shoemaking  and  white  goods  manufacturing; 
in  Lublin,  white  goods  manufacturing,  shoemaking,  tailoring,  basket-making, 
and  for  children  a  trade  school  was  opened;  in  Minsk,  needle- work,  white  goods 
manufacturing;  in  Yelisavetgrad,   hosiery,   embroidery;  in   Vitebsk,  tailoring. 

In  the  Vilna  and  Warsaw  white  goods  shops,  there  were  manufactured 
by  order  of  the  Jewish  Committee  of  Relief  to  the  Victims  of  the  War,  underwear 
to  the  amount  of  R.  28,125,  and  the  rate  of  a  complete  outfit  of  imderwear 
amoimted  in  Warsaw  to  90  kopeks,  and  in  Wilna  R.  1.13. 

The  table  herewith  attached  (Supplement  VIII)  gives  a  resume  of  informa- 
tion received  about  the  number  of  persons  who  work  in  these  shops  and  delivery 
offices.     From  other  centers  we  have  received  no  detailed  information  as  yet. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  23 

Labor  Bureau. 

The  activities  of  this  Branch  have  developed  mainly  in  the  field  of  supplying 
employment.  In  order  to  find  work  for  the  imemployed  and  to  systematically 
distribute  able-bodied  persons  from  places  where  there  is  a  scarcity  of  work  to 
points  where  there  is  a  demand  for  labor,  the  Department  of  Labor  Relief  has 
organized  in  different  places  of  the  Jewish  Pale,  employment  information  bureaus, 
the  duties  of  which  are  to  register  the  demands  and  supply  of  labor,  the  following 
up  of  unemployed,  distributing  them  from  place  to  place  and  putting  the 
workers  in  shops  and  factories;  the  information  bureaus  are  connected  with  the 
local  committees  of  relief.  At  present  the  labor  information  bureau  under 
control  of  the  Branch  is  active  in  the  following  32  points: 


Alexandrovsk 

Yekaterinoslav 

Moscow 

Bachmut 

Yelisavetgrad 

Nikolayev 

Bobruisk 

Kieff 

Nizhni-Novgorod 

Vitebsk 

Kishinev 

Odessa 

Voronezh 

Mariupol 

Penza 

Lublin 

Melitopol 

Perm 

Lugansk 

Saratov 

Poltava 

Romny 

Simferopol 

Tcherguer 

Samara 

Sebastopol 

Usofka 

Kharkoff 

Smolensk 

Theodosia 

Gomel 

Minsk 

Besides  this  the  Labor  Bureau  was  active  in  Vilna,  Warsaw,  Lublin. 
Government  of  Moghilev  and  Smorgon. 

The  Department  of  Labor  Relief  receives  all  demands  for  labor  which  are 
not  satisfied  by  local  supply  and  weekly  reports  about  the  actual  number  of 
unemployed,  who  are  registered  in  the  Information  Bureau,  and  according  to 
these  reports  the  bureau  distributes  the  unemployed  from  one  point  to  another. 
During  July,  August,  September  and  October,  the  department  has  helped  in 
this  way  nearly  16,728  unemployed  refugees.  The  attached  table  (Supplement 
IX)  contains  the  information  about  the  activities  of  20  labor  bureaus,  which 
have  acted  at  an  average  of  Sj  months  each.  Up  to  the  first  of  October  the 
services  of  this  bureau  have  been  rendered  25,155  persons,  and  8,856  of  them 
have  been  taken  care  of,  and  demands  from  employers  were  received  to  the 
number  of  23,349  positions. 

Furnishing  Tools. 

Besides  furnishing  employment,  the  Department  has  organized,  with  the 
cooperation  of  local  committee  agents,  a  bureau  for  furnishing  tools  and  instru- 
ments and  all  necessary  materials  for  such  mechanics  who  desire  to  establish 
themselves  independently  in  the  places  of  their  new  settlement,  on  terms  of 
installment  repayments. 

For  this  purpose,  the  department  has  purchased  295  sewing  and  shoe 
machines  and  14  hosiery  machines  for  the  sum  of  23,366  roubles,  which  were 
distributed  as  follows:  53  to  53  tailors  in  Minsk;  149  in  Warsaw;  6  shoemakers 
in  Lublin;  20  tailors  in  Moghilev;  14  hosieries  in  Vilna;  10  tailors  in  Saratov; 
7  tailors  in  Petrograd;  20  tailors  in  Penza;  10  shoemakers  and  20  tailors  in 
Tambov,  and  2  tailors  in  Solotonascha.  Besides  this  the  department  has  granted 
for  furnishing  the  mechanics  with  tools  and  materials;  in  Dwinsk  R.  500;  Yeli- 
savetgrad 500;  in  Minsk  R.  2,300;   in  Odessa  R.  500;  in  Saratov  R.  2,000;  in 


24  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Yekaterinburg  R.  500;  in  Ribinsk  R.  500;  in  Penza  R.  300.  At  present  the 
department  is  taking  steps  to  extend  its  activities  in  the  line  of  establishing 
independent  mechanics;  this  activity,  however,  because  of  lack  of  funds,  and 
also  in  view  of  the  change  of  war  areas,  has  not  developed  to  the  extent  desired. 

At  the  present  time  this  Branch  has  12  travelling  agents  and  2  assistants, 
who  are  serving  the  following  governments:  Perim,  Khazan  Nizhni-Novgorod, 
Saratov,  Samara,  Penza,  Yekaterinoslaz,  Taurida,  Kherson,  Kharkoff,  Kieff, 
Volhynia,  Podolia,  Vitebsk. 

For  this  period  the  department  has  expended  98,584  roubles,  from  which 
R.  71,392  were  granted  by  the  Jewish  Committee  of  Relief  to  the  war  victims 
and  R.  27,000  by  the  Society  for  Promoting  Industrial  and  Agricultural  Labor 
among  the  Jews  in  Russia. 


VII. 

SANITARY  RELIEF  AND  SHELTER. 

The  problem  of  sanitary  help  and  aid  to  children  of  tender  age  is  being 
solved  by  the  Society  for  preserving  the  health  of  the  Jewish  population  and  its 
branches.  During  the  year  past,  this  Society,  together  with  its  branches,  has 
extended  the  sphere  of  its  activities  throughout  the  governments  which  are 
affected  by  the  distribution  of  Jewish  refugees.  There  are  22  of  such  branches 
in  existence. 

Divisions. 

The  Petrograd  committee  of  the  Society  has  organized  during  the  year 
past  40  medical  feeding  divisions  with  a  staff  of  140  persons,  among  whom  have 
worked  35  physicians,  45  assistant  physicians,  60  Brothers  and  Sisters  of  Mercy, 
these  divisions  have  served  about  60,000  refugees  at  stated  places.  Especially 
for  attending  .the  refugees  while  on  the  roads  and  for  following  them  up,  the 
Society  has  organized  about  30  train  divisions.  This  division  follows  up  the 
refugees  from  place  of  their  entrainment  to  their  last  stopping  point,  rendering 
them  medical  and  food  assistance.  In  a  number  of  these  points  (Opolie,  Mat- 
sewitzi,  Vilna,  Novosventzyani,  Vitebsk,  Glubokoye,  and  other  cities  and  villages), 
hospitals  and  isolating  refugee  houses  were  opened  to  the  number  of  12.  Also 
45  ambulances  were  furnished  and  a  chain  of  29  food  stations  and  communal 
kitchens  were  opened  for  adults  and  children. 

Shelter  for  Children. 

The  Society  for  Preserving  the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Population  has  paid 
special  attention  to  the  preserving  of  the  health  of  children  of  tender  age,  for 
whom  45  shelters  were  opened,  containing  8,000  children.  In  17  points  the 
Society  has  subsidized  local  organizations,  which  are  helping  in  their  territories 
children  orphaned  by  the  war. 

The  activity  of  this  Society  stands  in  close  contact  with  the  committee, 
and  in  all  places  where  the  Society  has  no  branches,  they  are  being  served  by 
the  local  committees,  but  even  in  places  where  there  are  branches  of  the  Society, 
the  committee  takes  upon  itself  the  responsibility  for  the  expenditures  of  feeding 
and  maintenance. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  25 

At  the  present  time,  in  view  of  the  exhaustion  of  the  funds  of  the  Society, 
which  has  spent  about  R.  150,000,  the  committee  has  granted  for  the 
support  of  the  institutions  of  the  Society  R.  25,000,  and  figures  that  the  demands 
of  the  next  months  will  amount  to  R.  50,000  per  month. 


vm. 

CREDIT  RELIEF  THROUGH  THE  SAVINGS  SOCIETIES. 

In  September  of  last  year,  the  committee  has  decided  to  render  help  to 
the  Jewish  population  in  the  Kingdom  of  Poland,  by  giving  loans  through  the 
Savings  and  Loan  Associations,  to  which  the  committee  has  guaranteed  50  per 
cent,  of  the  risk,  which  might  result  because  of  the  decrease  of  earnings  of  their 
debtors.     These  bureaus  have  given  at  one  time  R.  99.000  to  11  Savings  Societies. 

But  with  the  increase  of  the  number  of  such  refugees,  who  because  of 
their  moral  qualities  and  their  former  financial  standing,  gave  promise  of  becom- 
ing established  in  new  places  as  independent  artisans  or  small  traders,  the  problem 
arose  how  to  help  this  category  of  refugees  by  means  of  credit  loans  in  their 
places  of  new  settlement.  By  organizing  help  of  this  kind  it  was  intended  to 
relieve  all  persons  who  are  likely  to  become  self-sustaining  from  demoralizing  in- 
fluences about  to  affect  them,  if  they  were  to  become  dependent  for  along  time  on 
philanthropic  agencies. 

In  order  to  put  the  credit  relief  to  refugees  on  a  business  basis,  the  committee 
refused  to  grant  loans  to  refugees  in  such  places,  where  such  relief  might  be  given 
by  existing  loan  associations,  and  for  this  purpose  the  committee  entered  into 
an  agreement  with  a  number  of  such  establishments,  and  allotted  them  neces- 
sary means  for  giving  loans  to  refugees  by  guaranteeing  75  per  cent,  of  the  risk 
which  is  entailed  in  helping  unsettled  elements.  At  the  present  time  credit 
relief  is  already  organized  through  Credit  Corporations  in  the  following  towns: 
Y.ekaterinoslav,  Mariuropol,  Lugansk,  Bachmut,  Dubno,  Kherson,  Rostov; 
besides,  negotiations  are  now  in  progress  in  the  towns  of  Khorol,  Poltava,  Kherson, 
Romni,  Priluky,  Piryatin,  Kremenchug,  Krivorog,  Genytchensk,  Melitopol. 

The  entire  number  of  registered  refugees  by  the  local  committees  in  the 
above  places  amount  to  24,164  persons.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  their  number  is 
much  higher,  because  in  the  registry  are  only  entered  those  refugees  who  are 
dependent  on  the  committees,  whereas  the  Credit  Bureaus  are  applied  to  by  other 
refugees,  who  do  not  apply  to  the  Communal  Philanthropic  Agencies.  For  the 
organization  of  credit  relief,  the  committee  has  so  far  granted  R.  100,000.  The 
supervision  of  this  matter  and  regulation  are  centered  in  a  Commission  specially 
formed  for  this  purpose.  At  the  present  time  the  representatives  of  the  com- 
mittee have  undertaken  to  organize  credit  loans  in  the  following  towns :  Nizhni- 
Novgorod,  Yekatarinburg,  Perm,  Omsk,  Kostroma,  Saratov,  Vyatka,  Penza, 
Ryazan,  Tula,  Voroneszh,  Kursk,  Tambov,  Kozlov,  Kostroma,  Borisoglebsk, 
Kirsanoff,  Simferopol,  Opyeskoff ,  Kofka,  Alexandria,  Tomsk,  Ananyeff ,  Usoka, 
Kharkoff ,  Orechoff,  Nogaisk,  Berdiansk,  Novo-Nikalayeff ,  Ukursk  Tchellabinoff , 
Golta,  Berdyarisk — altogether  about  35  points.  What  means  wiU  be  required 
for  satisfying  the  needs  of  the  respective  groups  of  refugees  it  is  difficult  at  present 
to  say,  because  it  depends  on  the  professional  and  social  qualities  of  the  refugees 
in  every  individtial  point,  and  also  on  the  state  of  the  local  industrial  market, 
and  on  a  long  line  of  other  conditions  which  it  is  impossible  to  foresee  in  advance. 


26  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

At  any  rate  these  amounts  will  be  very  considerable,  and  judging  by  the  experi- 
ments already  tried  by  the  established  committees,  it  can  be  expected  that  the 
minimum  will  amount  to  about  R.  500,000. 

IX. 

THE  COMMITTEES'  INFORMATION  BUREAU. 

The  information  department  of  the  committees  has  made  it  its  business 
to  search  for  refugees  who  have  been  lost  in  transportation  and  on  the  roads. 
The  department  sends  out  to  all  points  where  there  are  Jewish  refugees,  also 
to  the  Jewish  Relief  Committee  and  agents,  registered  lists  with  requests  to 
investigate  the  lists  of  those  refugees  who  are  already  there  and  those  who  are 
new  arrivals.  This  information  is  the  main  source  of  finding  the  people.  Other 
means  are  taken,  such  as  interviewing  people  on  the  road  and  also  sending  out 
inquiries  to  the  branches  of  the  committee,  etc. 

This  department  receives  inquiries  not  only  from  all  points  of  Russia, 
but  also  from  abroad  and  especially  from  America.  By  agreement  of  the  informa- 
tion department  with  the  General  Russian  bureau  for  registering  refugees,  in 
connection  with  the  Committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess  Taty ana  Nikolayevna, 
all  inquiries  reaching  the  bureau  about  Jewish  refugees  are  sent  to  the  Inquiry 
Bureau  of  this  committee. 

Up  to  this  time  there  have  been  more  than  22,000  inquiries  of  which  more 
than  2,000  came  through  the  Committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatyana  Nik- 
olayevna; 50,000  persons  have  been  registered  and  3,640  were  found  through 
this  bureau. 

X. 

INDIVIDUAL  HELP. 

Owing  to  conditions  which  accompanied  the  relieving  and  caring  for  the 
masses  of  the  Jewish  population  driven  from  their  native  homes,  there  were 
among  the  refugees  such  groups  of  people  to  whom  individual  help  had  to  be 
rendered.  In  the  first  line  of  this  class  are  the  Rabbis  of  the  communities, 
who  on  account  of  their  standing  could  not  apply  to  the  local  philanthropic 
institutions.  Individual  help  in  shape  of  loans  were  given  by  the  committee 
to  persons  who  deserved  special  attention  and  confidence.  Altogether  the 
committee  has  spent  for  this  purpose  R.  95,839.41. 

From  the  review  submitted  and  detailed  figures  it  appears  that  from  the 
time  of  the  grant  by  the  Special  Conference  (on  the  24th  of  September  of  this 
year)  of  R.  500,000  to  the  Petrograd  committee  of  relief  to  the  victims  of  the 
war  the  committee  has  expended: 

(1)  On  maintenance  and  food R.  387.697 .00 

(2)  On  the  manufacture  of  warm  clothing,  shoes  and 

underwear 505,905 .00 

(3)  On  shelter  needs  and  fuel 93,000.00 

(4)  On  credits  to  loan  associations 100,000.00 

Total ■ R.  1,086,647.00 

not  counting  amounts  granted  for  the  organization  of  labor  relief  and  medical, 
food  and  sanitary  aids,  and  for  opening  shelters  for  children,  through  the  help 
of  the  Society  for  the  Preservation  of  the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Population. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  27 

From  the  above  review  of  receipts  and  expenditures  by  the  Petrograd 
committee,  it  appears  that  the  committee  had  in  its  control  on  November  1, 
altogether,  R.  53,900.44.  At  its  last  meeting,  the  committee  has  made  assignments 
considerably  exceeding  this  sum. 

Therefore,  the  Jewish  Committee  was  compelled  to  use  other  resources 
such  as  voluntary  contributions,  although  according  to  the  Law  of  August  30th, 
all  needs  for  the  maintenance,  for  shelter,  clothing  and  shoes  for  refugees  were 
to  be  paid  from  the  funds  of  the  Empire.  The  committee  was  compelled, 
however,  to  raise  outside  funds  because,  as  it  was  shown  above,  the  circular 
issued  by  the  Department  of  Police,  in  which  it  forbade  the  granting  of  help 
to  the  Jews  from  general  funds,  has  not  yet  been  recalled;  and  also  because 
thfe  Government  committees  for  estimating  the  general  needs,  which  would  be 
subject  to  grants  from  credits  of  the  Special  Conference,  for  refugees  of  all  nation- 
alities, have  not  yet  been  formed. 


28  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

SUPPLEMENT  I. 

LIST  OF  LOCAL   JEWISH  COMMITTEES   AND   INSTITUTIONS 
OF  RELIEF  TO   THE    JEWISH  WAR  VICTIMS. 

1.  Alatir Jewish  Circle  of  Relief  to  vic- 

tims of  war. 

2.  Alexandria,  Government  of  Kherson The  Commission  for  rendering 

aid  to  refugees  connected 
with  the  Aid  Society  of  poor 
Jews. 

3.  Alexandrovsk,  Government  of  YekaterinoslavRelief  Committee  to  Refugees. 

4.  Ananieff ,  Government  of  Kherson Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  sufferers  from 
the  war. 

5.  Archangelsk Jewish    Relief    Committee    to 

victims  of  the  war. 

6.  Astrakhan Jewish    Relief    Committee    to 

victims  of  the  war. 

7.  Askhabad Jewish    Relief    Committee    to 

victims  of  the  war. 

8.  Baku Jewish  Committee  of  Baku  for 

collecting  contributions  in  aid 
of  Jews,  who  have  suffered  in 
the  war  area. 

9.  Balashov,  Government  of  Saratoff Social    Bureau    of    the   Jewish 

Synagogue. 

10.  Balta,  Government  of  Podolya Jewish    Relief    Committee    to 

victims  of  the  war. 

11.  Bachmut,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav .  .Committee  of  the  Branch  of  the 

Kieff  Society  for  rendering 
aid  to  the  Jews  suffering 
from  war  activities. 

12.  Bakhchisaray,  Government  of  Taurida Society    for    rendering    aid    to 

poor  Jews. 

13.  Berdlcheff Society  for  rendering  aid  to  the 

Jews  suffering  from  war  acti- 
vities. 

14.  Berdyansk,  Government  of  Taurida Society  for  rendering  aid  to  the 

Jews  suffering  from  war  acti- 
vities. 

15.  Bobruisk,  Government  of  Minsk Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  sufferers  from 
the  war. 

16.  B.  Tokmak,  Government  of  Taurida Jewish    Committee   for    aiding 

Jewish  victims  of  the  war, 
connected  with  the  Society 
for  aiding  poor  Jews. 

17.  Borzna,  Government  of  Chemigoff Administration  of  the  Society 

for  helping  poor  Jews. 

18.  Borissov,  Government  of  Minsk Administration  of  the  Society 

for  helping  poor  Jews. 

19.  Borissoglebsk,  Government  of  Tambov ....  Administration  of  the  Society 

for  helping  poor  Jews. 

20.  Bratskoe,  Government  of  Kherson Bureau  of  the  Society  for  aiding 

poor  Jews. 

21.  Bielzy,  Government  of  Bessarabia Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  sufferers  from 
the  war. 

22.  Bieschenkovichi,  Government  of  Vitebsk. . .  The  Bieschenkovichi  Branch  of 

the  Vitebsk  Society  for  help- 
ing Jewish  victims  of  the  war. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  20 

23.  Velickye  Lucky Branch    of   the    Pskoff   Jewish 

Committee  to  render  aid  to 
victims  of  the  war. 

24.  Vitebsk Jewish  Society  for  helping  Jew- 

ish victims  of  the  war. 

25.  Vladikavkaz Social   Service   Bureau   of   the 

Jewish  Synagogue. 

26.  Vologda Jewish  Relief  Committee. 

27.  Vlochisk Loan  and  Savings  Association. 

28.  Voronezh Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

aid  to  Jewish  victims  of  the 
war. 

29.  Vyatka Jewish  ReHef  Committee. 

30.  Gadyatsh,  Government  of  Poltava Relief  Committee  for  Jews,  who 

have  suffered  from  the  war. 

31.  Golta,  Government  of  Kherson Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  sufferers  from 
the  war. 

32.  Gomel,  Government  of  Moghilev Society  for  helping  Jewish  poor 

who  have  temporarily  settled 
in  Gomel  and  the  Government 
of  Mohileff,  on  account  of  war 
activities. 

33.  Gorodok Branch  of  the  Vitebsk  Jewish 

Relief  Society  for  victims  of 
the  war. 

34.  Gory-Gorky,  Government  of  Moghilev Bureau  of  the  Society  for  help- 

ing poor  Jews. 

35.  Dvinsk,  Government  of  Vitebsk Jewish   Committee  for  helping 

Jewish  victims  of  the  war. 

36.  Dubrovka,  Government  of  Moghilev Bureau  of  the  Society  for  help- 

ing poor  Jews. 

37.  Eupatoria Branch  of  the  Society  for  help- 

ing the  poor  Jews  suffering 
from  the  war. 

38.  Yekaterinodar The  Committee  for  helping  Jew- 

ish victims  of  the  war. 

39.  Yekaterinoslav Committee  for  the  preserving 

the  health  of  the  Jewish 
population. 

40.  Yelisavetgrad,  Government  of  Kherson ....  Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  Jews,  who  have 
suffered  from  the  war. 

41.  Yelizavetpol Committee  for  helping  refugees. 

42.  Enokievo,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav. .  .First  Society  for  helping  poor 

Jews. 

43.  Yeniseysk Social   Service   Bureau   of   the 

Jewish  Synagogue. 

44.  Zhitomir,  Government  of  Volhynia Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  the  Jews  of 
the  City  of  Zhitomir,  who 
have  become  impoverished  on 
account  of  war  activities. 

45.  Zenjov,  Government  of  Poltava Committee  for  taking  care  of 

forcibly  expelled  persons. 

46.  Zolotonosha Committee  for  rendering  aid  to 

the  Jewish  population,  who 
have  suffered  from  war  acti- 
vities. 

47.  Ivanovka,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav..  The  Jewish  Spiritual  Bureau. 


30  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

48.  Irkutsk Social   Service   Biireau   of    the 

Jewish  Synagogue. 

49.  Kazan Committee  for  rendering  aid  to 

victims  of  the  war,  of  the 
Bureau  of  the  Kazan  Jewish 
Synagogues- 

50.  Kaluga .Jewish  Society  for  helping  vic- 

tims of  the  war. 

51.  Kaynsk Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

52.  Kachovka,  Government  of  Taurida Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

53.  Kertch Jewish  Committee  for  helping 

victims  of  the  war. 

54.  Kieff Committee  for  rendering  aid  to 

the  Jewish  population,  who 
have  suffered  from  war  acti- 
victies. 

55.  Kineshma Social   Service   Bureau   of   the 

Synagogue. 

56.  Kischinev Committee     for     raising     sub- 

scriptions in  aid  of  Jews,  who 
ave  suffered  from  the  war. 

57.  Klimovitschy  Government  of  Moghilev.. .  .Bureau  of  the  Society  for  aiding 

poor  Jews. 

58.  Kaslov,  Government  of  Tambov Jewish    Committee    for    aiding 

victims  of  the  war. 

59.  Konotop,  Government  of  Chemigoff Branch  of  the  Jewish  Society 

of  Konotop,  for  aiding  vic- 
tims of  the  war. 

60.  Konstantinograd,  Government  of  Poltava.. .  Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

61.  Kostroma Jewish  Society  for  aiding  vic- 

tims of  the  war. 

62.  Kremenetz,  Government  of  Volhynia Committee  for  aiding  sufferers 

in  the  war  zone. 

63.  Kremenchug,  Government  of  Poltava Committee  for  aiding  sufferers 

in  the  war  zone. 

64.  Krovelitz,  Government  of  Chemigoff Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

65.  Kursk Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  the  families  of 
Jewish  Reservists  in  Govern- 
ment of  Kursk,  and  of  the 
Jewish  Population  suffering 
from  the  war. 

66.  Lipetzk Social   Service    Bureau   of   the 

Synagogue. 

67.  Lochvitza Jewish  Relief  Committee. 

68.  Lubny,  Government  of  Poltava Society    for    helping    indigent 

Jews. 

69.  Luga Social   Service   Bureau   of   the 

Luga  Jewish  Synagogue. 

70.  Lugansk,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav . . .  Society  for  helping  needy  Jews. 

71.  Lody,  Government  of  Moghilev Society  for  aiding  indigent  Jews. 

72.  Malin,  Government  of  Kieff Jewish  Philanthropic  Society. 

73.  Mariupol Commission   for  rendering   aid 

to  Jews,  who  suffered  from 
the  war,  connected  with  the 
Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

74.  Melitopol,  Government  of  Taurida Committee   for   aiding   victims 

of  the  war. 

75.  Minsk Committee  for  aiding  the  Jew- 

ish population  who  have 
suffered  from  the  war. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  31 

76.  Moghilev Council  of  the  Moghilev  Jewish 

Society  for-  aiding  victims  of 
the  war. 

77.  Mozir Mozir  Committee  for  relieving 

poor  Jewish  settlers  on  ac- 
count of  the  war. 

78.  Moscow Jewish  Society  for  helping  vic- 

tims of  the  war. 

79.  Nvel,  Government  of  Vitebsk. Branch   of   the   Vitebsk   Com- 

mittee for  aiding  victims  of 
the  war. 

80.  Nerekhta Social    Service    Bureau   of   the 

Synagogue. 

81.  Nizhni-Novgorod Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

aid  to  victims  of  the  war. 

82.  Nikopol Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

83.  Novgorod-Seversk,.  Government  of  Chemi- 

goff Bureau  of  the  Society  for  help- 
ing poor  Jews. 

84.  Novonikolaevsk Social    §ervice   Bureau   of   the 

Synagogue. 

85.  Novorzhov Branch  of  the  Pskoff  Society  of 

the  Committee  for  helping 
victims  of  the  war. 

86.  Odessa Commission   for  rendering   aid 

to  Jews,  who  have  suffered 
from  the  war  (with  the 
Odessa  Branch  of  the  Society 
for  preserving  the  health  of 
the  Jewish  population). 

87.  Opochka,  Government  of  Pskoff Branch   of   the   Pskoff   Jewish 

Committee  for  rendering  aid 
to  the  victims  of  the  war. 

88.  Orenburg Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

relief  to  suffering  Jews  in 
Poland  and  Lithuania. 

89.  Orsha,  Government  of  Moghilev Committee  for  rendering  aid  to 

Jews,  connected  with  Bureau 
of  the  Orshansk  Jewish  Com- 
mittee for  relieving  the  poor. 

90.  Orekhov Branch  of  the  Simferopol  Com- 

mittee for  helping  victims  of 
the  war. 

91.  Ostroff Branch    of   the    Pskoff   Jewish 

Committee  for  aiding  victims 
of  the  war. 

92.  Penza Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

aid  to  victims  of  the  war. 

93.  Periaslav,  Government  of  Poltava Jewish   Philanthropic  Commit- 

tee for  aiding  the  poor. 

94.  Perm Branch  of  the  Society  for  giving 

aid  to  refugees,  connected 
with  the  Committee  for  ren- 
dering aid  to  the  Jewish 
population. 

95.  Petrozavodsk Bureau  of  the  Petrozavodsk  Jew- 

ish Synagogue. 

96.  Piristin,  Government  of  Poltava Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

aid  to  Jews,  who  have  suffered 
from  the  war. 

97.  Polotsk,  Government  of  Vitebsk Jewish  Society  for  helping  vic- 

tims of  the  war. 


32  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

98.  Poltava Jewish  Society  for  helping  war 

victims  of  Poltava. 

99.  Porchov Porchov  Branch  of  the  Pskoff 

Jewish  Committee. 

100.  Porchep,  Government  of  Cheraigoff Society  for  helping  poor  Jews. 

101.  Priluky Temporary  Committee  for  ren- 

dering aid  to  the  Jews,  who 
have  suffered  from  the  war. 

102.  Proskuroff,  Government  of  Podolya Society    for    helping    indigent 

Jews. 

103.  Pskoff Society  for  helping  the  victims 

of  the  war. 

104.  Rovna Committee  for  aiding  the  Jew- 

ish population,  who  have 
suffered  from  the  war. 

105.  Rogacheff,  Government  of  Moghilev Society    for    helping    indigent 

Jews. 

106.  Romny,  Government  of  Poltava Committee    for    helping    Jews, 

who  have  been  expelled  from 
the  war  zone. 

107.  Rostoff  on  the  Don Jewish    Committee    for    giving 

relief  to  refugees. 

108.  Ribinsk Jewish    Committee    for    aiding 

refugees  in  the  City  of 
Ribinsk. 

109.  Reshytza , Committee  for  temporary  relief 

to  Jewish  refugees,  who  have 
settled  in  Resh5rtza. 

110.  Ryazan Committee    for    relieving    the 

wounded  and  sick. 

111.  Samarkand Jewish  Spiritual  Bureau. 

112.  Samara Jewish   Temporary   Committee 

for  relief  to  the  victims  of 
the  war. 

113.  Saratov '. Jewish  Committee  for  relieving 

the  victims  of  the  war. 

114.  Sebezh Sebezh  Branch  of  the  Vitebsk 

Committee  for  giving  relief 
to  the  Jewish  population. 

115.  Sebastopol Committee    for    helping   Jews, 

who  have  suffered  from  the 
war. 

116.  Serdebsk Social    Service   Bureau   of   the 

Synagogue. 

117.  Simferopol Jewish  Committee  for  relieving 

victims  of  the  war. 

118.  Smolensk Commission    for    raising    sub- 

scriptions in  the  Government 
of  Smolensk. 

119.  Smorgon The   Smorgon    Branch    of    the 

Vilna  Jewish  Society  for  ren- 
dering aid  to  the  Jewish 
Population. 

120.  Staraya  Russa Jewish    Committee    for    aiding 

war  victims. 

121.  Staraya  Ushitza,  Government  of  Podolia.  .Savings  and  Loan  Associations. 

122.  Stavropol Committee  for  rendering  aid  to 

Jewish  population,  who  are 
suffering  from  the  war. 

123.  Starodub,  Government  of  Chemigofif Bureau  of  the  Jewish   Society 

for  aiding  the  poor. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  .  33 

124.  Starokonstantinoff,  Government  of 

Volhynia Jewish  Committee  for  rendering 

aid  to  the  sufferers  from  the 
war. 

125.  Taganrog,  Territory  of  the  Don  Cossacks .  .  Jewish    Committee   for   raising 

subscriptions  in  aid  of  the 
Jews,  who  have  suffered  from 
the  war. 

126.  Tambov Jewish    Committee    for    aiding 

war  victims. 

127.  Tatarsk Jewish  Circle  for  helping  war 

victims. 

128.  TifUs Commission    for    aiding    poor 

Jews;  connected  with  the 
Tifliz  Jewish  Philanthropic 
Society. 

129.  Tomsk Jewish    Social    Bureau    of    the 

Synagogue. 

130.  Toropetz,  Government  of  Pskoff Branch    of    the    Pskoff    Com- 

mittee for  aiding  poor  Jews. 

131.  Troitsk,  Government  of  Orenburg Temporary    Jewish    Commitee 

for  aiding  the  Jewish  popu- 
lation, who  are  suffering  from 
the  war. 

132.  Timien,  Government  of  Tobolsk Jewish  Social  Service  Bureau. 

133.  Ufa Jewish   Temporary   Committee 

for  aiding  the  Jewish  popu- 
lation, who  are  suffering  from 
the  war. 

134.  Kharkoff Jewish    Committee    for    aiding 

war  victims. 

135.  Kherson Commission   for  rendering   aid 

to  poor  Jews,  suffering  from 
the  war. 

130.     Khorol,  Government  of  Poltava Society    for    rendering    aid    to 

Jewish  war  victims. 

137.  Khotin,  Government  of  Bessarabia .Society    for    rendering    aid    to 

Jewish  war  victims. 

138.  Chelyabinsk,  Government  of  Orenburg . .  .  Society    for    rendering    aid    to 

Jewish  war  victims. 

139.  Chemovka,  Government  of  Moghilev Jewish  Philanthropic  Society. 

140.  Chemigofif Jewish  Philanthropic  Society. 

141.  Chita Committee  of  the  Bakaul  So- 

ciety for  rendering  aid  to  the 
poor. 

142.  Yaroslavl Jewish  Relief  for  refugees. 


Lists  of  Correspondents  of  the  Committees,  who  are  serving  the  needs 
of  Jewish  refugees  in  places  where  there  are  no  committees. 

1.  Avdieevka,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav.  Isaac  Danielovich  Gomolsky. 

Moses  Davidovich  Drozd. 
Chayim  Gorbunoff . 

2.  Oktubinock,  Territory  of  Thurgovia C.  J.  Lifshitz. 

3.  Alexandropol,  Government  of  Erivan J.  A.  Levin. 

4.  Alshovo,  Government  of  Ufa Moses  Vorisovitsh  Grinhaus. 

5.  Aleshky,  Government  of  Taurida Rabbi  Dilfer. 

6.  Andiszan,  Territory  of  Fergansk M.  B.  Raskin. 


34  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

7.  Arzamass,  Government  of  Nizhni-Novgo- 

rod  The  Rabbi. 

8.  Armiansk,  Government  of  Taurida Rabbi  K.  L.  Magid. 

9.  Archangel I.  M.  Ulansky. 

10.  Barguzin,  Territory  of  Baikal A.  C.  Novemeisky. 

11.  Barnaul,  Government  of  Tomsk P.  A.  Chaminsky. 

12.  Bar,  Government  of  Podolia Abram  Lvovich  Kvacha. 

13.  Biriutsch,  Government  of  Voronezh J.  Geiger. 

14.  Blaboveshchensk,  Territory  of  Amour Rabbis  Ginsburg  and  Lupinsky. 

15.  Bobr,  Government  of  Moghilev M.  F.  Brumberg. 

16.  Bogotol,  Government  of  Tomsk Isiah  Gudovitsh  Yelevitsh. 

17.  Boguchar,  Government  of  Voronezh B.  L.  Brook. 

18.  Bragin,  Government  of  Minsk M.  B.  Levin. 

19.  Bryansk,  Government  of  Orel K.  P.  Voytensky,  Dentist. 

20.  Byelaya-Tserkov,  Government  of  Kiefif Rabbi  G.  Kopshtik, 

Jonah  Grinsberg, 
B.  Friedenberg. 

21.  Valk,  Government  of  Livonia Rabbi  Masliansky. 

22.  Valuyky,  Government  of  Voronezh B.  A.  Feldman. 

23.  Vasilkoff,  Government  of  Kieff L.  Meshinsky. 

24.  Velisch,  Government  of  Vitebsk U.  L.  Voytinsky. 

25.  Vinnitza,  Government  of  Podolia Communal  Rabbi  Z.  N.  Krup- 

nitzky. 

26.  Vladiovostok,  Territory  of  Primorsk Rabbi  Skidelsky. 

27.  Vladikavkaz I.   Ladizhensky   and   Rabbi  L. 

Tulman. 

28.  Vladimir-Volinsk L.  J.  Stochek. 

29.  Voznesensk,  Government  of  Kherson A.     S.     Brodsky     and     Rabbi 

Zemsky. 

30.  Voznesenskya-Rudy,    Government  of  Ye- 

katerinoslav M.S.  Matzkevitsh. 

31.  Vorklany,  Government  of  Vitebsk D.  A.  Rubin. 

32.  Vorozhba,  Government  of  Kharkoff B.  Malvitzky. 

33.  Voronovitzy,  Government  of  Podolia J.  Gudkin. 

34.  Votkino,  Government  of  Vyatka S.  Dubvin. 

35.  Vitegra,  Government  of  Olonetzk Parizheskaya. 

36.  Vyazma,  Government  of  Smolensk I.  J.  Himmelstein. 

37.  Vyema,  Territory  of  Samarcand R.  M.  Blager. 

38.  Genitschesk,  Government  of  Taurida S,    J.    Pergament    and    I.    B. 

Golansky. 

39.  St.  Golaya-Pristan,  Government  of  Taurida. G.  P.  Vitker. 

40.  Gorodok A.  Stann. 

41.  Grishino,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav. .  Dr.  A.  Katz. 

42.  Derbent,  Territory  of  Dagestan J.  L.  Marcus. 

43.  Grozny,  Territory  of  Ter Communal  Rabbi  I.  L.  Rodo- 

mishersky. 

44.  Dmitriev,  Government  of  Kursk V.  S.  Ziman,  Dispenser. 

45.  St.  Dno,  Government  of  Pskoff A.  J.  Alperrovitsh. 

46.  Dubna,  Government  of  Volhynia Rass. 

47.  St.  Dubrovka,  Government  of  Orel L.  L.  Pievovarov. 

48.  Yekaterinburg,  Government  of  Perm L.  I.  Dukolsky  and  Gerstein. 

49.  Eletz,  Government  of  Orel R.    M.    Sum    and    Communal 

Rabbi. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  35 

50.  Yenotayevesk,  Government  of  Astrakhan.  I.  Luria. 

51.  Zlobin,  Government  of  Moghilev 

52.  Zalovozhye-Kamenskoye,   Government  of 

Yekaterinoslav L.  A.  Ginsburg. 

53.  Zaraysk,  Government  of  Ryazan M.  I.  Krakinofsky. 

54.  Ivanovo-Voznesensky,      Government      of 

Vladimir L.  L.  Bernstein,  Dispenser, 

L.  Berkman. 

55.  Irbit,  Government  of  Perm S.  E.  Katznelson. 

56.  Kazan Attorney  Blatt  and  Dr.  R.  A. 

Luria. 

57.  Kamenetz-Podolsk Moses  Yakovlavitsch  Shukrot, 

Levy-Isaac    Jeselovitsch    Star- 
nik. 

58.  Kamentzkoye-Zaporozhye,  Government  of 

Yekaterinoslav Amnuel. 

59.  Kamischen,  Government  of  Saratoff B.  V.  Huziz. 

60.  Karacheff,  Government  of  Orel S.  E.  Genkin. 

61.  Kata-Kurgan S.  M.  Druch. 

62.  Khirsanofif,  Government  of  Tambov B.  N.  Renzin. 

63.  Kobelyaky,  Government  of  Poltava Z.  I.  Kogan. 

64.  Kovel,  Government  of  Volhynia Dr.  Feinstein. 

65.  Kozloff,  Government  of  Tambov V.  L  Luria. 

66.  Kharond,  Territory  of  Fergansk G.  L.  Zeidel. 

67.  Kopil,  Government  of  Minsk 

68.  Kopis,  Government  of  Moghilev Z.  Lifshitz  and  G.  Godin. 

69.  Koretz,  Government  of  Volhynia Dr.  M.  Fish. 

70.  Kortofif,  Government  of  Voronezh N.  Dershenson. 

71.  Gorotoyak,  Government  of  Voronezh A.  M.  Mrust. 

72.  Gochanova,  Government  of  Voronezh L.  S.  Glezin. 

73.  Grasnoyarsk,  Government  of  Yenisseisk. .  T.  Frankfurt  and  Dr.  Grace. 

74.  Greslovka,  Government  of  Vitebsk T.  Z.  Rabinowitz. 

75.  Kxichev,  Government  of  Moghilev A.  S.  Notkin. 

76.  Elnipsky,  Government  of  Moghilev M.N.  Luria. 

77.  Krusha,  Government  of  Moghilev A.  B.  Freedman. 

78.  Kungur,  Government  of  Perm L.  Rubinson. 

79.  Kurgan,  Government  of  Tobolsk A.  L.  Kamber. 

80.  Kutayis Aaron  Patyyashevili,  Isaac  Yeli- 

goloff. 

81.  Lebedyan,  Government  of  Tambov Dispenser,  I.  C.  Fagin. 

82.  Levno,  Government  of  Moghilev S.  Giurevitsch. 

83.  Lenkoran A.  Z.  Yampolsky,  I.  M.  Brisk- 

man. 

84.  Lozovaya,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav.  Itin,  G.  E.  Frishman. 

85.  Lozovaya-Povlovka,  Government  of  Yeka- 

terinoslav   S.  G.  Robzman, 

M.  Kra'snoshtcheky. 

86.  Lubomil,  Government  of  Volhjoiia. . . Rabbi  Selk. 

87.  Ludinka,  Government  of  Orel F.  I.  Blumkin. 

88.  Lutzin,  Government  of  Vitebsk R.  I.  Chenin. 

89.  Malaya- Visher,  Government  of  Novgorod .  Z.  S.  Gutkin. 

90.  Mariinsk,  Government  of  Tomsk M.  J.  Vlinchevisky. 

91.  Markuleshty,  Government  of  Bessarabia. .  S.  Gillels. 


36  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

92.  Menzelensk,  Government  of  Ufa Mettler. 

93.  Meritsch,  Government  of  Vilna I.  M.  Solovay. 

94.  Mir,  Government  of  Minsk Rabbi  E.  B.  Kamay. 

95.  Mokshansk,  Government  of  Penza Druggist  Rozen. 

96.  Monastirshchina,  Government  of  Moghilev.Teacher  Erkin. 

97.  Marshansk,  Government  of  Tambov E.  B.  Natelson. 

98.  Matislavl,  Government  of  Moghilev J.    Z.    Luzner    and    Rabbi    P. 

Pruskin. 

99.  Miena,  Government  of  Chemigoff I.  Ginsburg,  Medviedev. 

100.  Nizhnedneprovsk,  Government  of  Yekater- 

inoslav B.  Stifanovsky. 

101.  Novgorod A.  Kviatkofsky. 

102.  Novogeorgievsk,  Government  of  Kherson. S.  W.  Khasanoff. 

103.  Novozibkov,  Government  of  Chemigoff. .  .Rabbi  Chain;    Pevzonar;    Ra- 

phael Itzchonin. 

104.  Novomirgorod,  Government  of  Yekaterino- 

slav Rabbi  A.  M.  Reznichenko. 

105.  Novomoskof  sk,  Government  of  Yekaterino- 

slav Dr.  Gluckman;   Rabbi  Rudin. 

108.  Novosolniky,  Suburb  of  Pskofif D.  C.  Voykhotofsky. 

107.  Nogaysk,  Government  of  Taurida J.  N.  Ravich. 

108.  Nezhin,  Government  of  Chemigoff A.  J.  Goldin. 

109.  Obchuga,  Government  of  Moghilev A.  Liebster. 

110.  Omsk Communal  Rabbi  Bassin. 

111.  Orel M.   J.    Lonstein,    Rabbi   J.    B. 

Katznelson. 

112.  Orenburg Rabbi  Z.  Kolender. 

113.  Ostrogozhsk,  Government  of  Yekaterino- 

slav L.  E.  Rivlin. 

114.  Pavlograd,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav.Rabbi  Byelenky. 

115.  Pask,  Government  of  Voronesh P-  J.  Smolansky. 

116.  Petrofsk,  Territory  of  Dagestan Communal  Rabbi  Goldstein. 

117.  Porchov,  Government  of  Pskoff G.  Diershkevitch. 

118.  Pochep,  Government  of  Chemigoff .L.  L.  Ebiroff. 

119.  Radomishl,  Government  of  Kieff Rabbi  Schnaiersohn. 

120.  Rokoff,  Government  of  Minsk Rabbi  Kalmanovitch. 

121.  Rzhev,  Government  of  Tver Dispenser  E.  B.  Packman. 

122.  Romanovo,  Government  of  Moghilev. . . .  .  J.  M.  Edelkind. 

123.  Rostoff,  Government  of  Yaroslav G.  Luria. 

124.  Rudnya,  Govemment  of  Moghilev E.  I.  Salkind. 

125.  Rutky,  Government  of  Moghilev I.  I.  Gingefeld. 

126.  Rezhytza,  Govemment  of  Vitebsk Rabbi  Pollack. 

127.  Semenovka,  Govemment  of  Poltava Rabbi  A.  D.  Teleschefsky. 

128.  Semypalatinsk K.  Rabinowitz. 

129.  Simbirsk Communal  Rabbi  Klein. 

130.  Slavyany,  Government  of  Minsk I.  S.  Zeitling. 

131.  Slutzk,  Govemment  of  Minsk M.    G.    Granat,    Mrs.    E.    S. 

Skulkrot. 

132.  Soltzy,  Govemment  of  Pskofif B.  Lieberman. 

133.  Sosnitza,  Govemment  of  Chemigofif C.  I.  Yuschansky. 

134.  Spassk,  Govemment  of  Tambov C.  S.  Rubinstein. 

135.  Staritza,  Govemment  of  Tver Isaih  Moiseevitsh  Lipsk. 

136.  Suzhinitzy Lef  Zeitlein. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  37 

137.  Susheva,  Suburb M.  A.  Charosh. 

138.  Sizran,  Government  of  Simbirsk Communal  Rabbi  Peter. 

139.  Sienno,  Government  of  Moghilev G.  Rubinstein. 

140.  Tashkent Engineer  Pasman,  S.  M.  Lub- 

linsky. 

141.  Tver Abraham     Grigoryavitsh     Dia- 

mond. 

142.  Temir-Khan-Shura,  Territory  of  Dagestan.  Dispenser  I.  Gurevitsh. 

143.  Timkovichy,  Government  of  Minsk Rabbi  Arisoff. 

144.  Tiraspol,  Government  of  Kherson Dentist  M.  D.  Grozman. 

145.  Tikhvin,  Government  of  Novgorod Rabbi  Elson. 

146.  Torzhok,  Government  of  Tver Abel  Abramovitz  Kadish. 

147.  Tula Attorney  Boris  Osipovitsh. 

148.  Uglich,  Government  of  Jaroslav Naum    Yakovlevitch    Gologor- 

sky. 

149.  Uman,  Government  of  Kieff Rabbi  Kantorschik. 

150.  Uman,   Government  of  Tambov Aleinikoff,  N.  B.  Nichell. 

151.  Fastov,  Government  of  Kieff Chafitz. 

152.  Chislovitsky,  Government  of  Moghilev Dr.  L.  Rabinowitz. 

153.  Tzaritzin,  Government  of  Saratov B.   Z.   Rabinowitz,    Dr.   J.    D. 

Vilensky. 

154.  Chembar,  Government  of  Penza Engineer  Zoldes, 

155.  Cherkassy,  Government  of  Kieff Rabbi  Silverman. 

156.  Chernigofka,  Government  of  Moghilev...  .N.  Z.  Goldstein. 

157.  Schklov,  Government  of  Moghilev L.  Niskovitsh. 

158.  Schuya,  Government  of  Vladimir Druggist  U.  A.  Voloff. 

159.  Usofka,  Government  of  Yekaterinoslav ....  Mr.  Stroyanoffsky . 

160.  Uyef sky  Zavod Kisselefsky 


38  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

REPORT    OF    MARCH    1,    1916. 
I. 

The  Jewish  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  the  Victims  of  War  has  the  honor 
of  submitting  to  the  Special  Conference  the  following  data  taken  from  the 
books  of  the  Committee,  showing  its  financial  status  and  characterizing  the 
scope  and  volume  of  activity  of  the  Jewish  Committee. 

The  problems  of  the  Committee  are  explained  in  detail  in  the  report  sub- 
mitted to  the  Conference  in  November,  1915.  These  problems  include  not 
only  assistance  to  war  refugees  but  also  assistance  to  people  suffering  various 
needs  owing  to  the  war,  and,  among  others,  help  to  families  of  men  called  to 
service,  relief  to  maimed  and  wounded  soldiers  and  the  care  of  families  of  soldiers 
fallen  in  battle.  However,  as  it  will  be  seen  below,  it  became  imperative  to 
use  almost  all  of  the  Committee's  funds  to  relieve  the  sufferings  of  refugees, 
this  need  having  become  of  first  importance.  This  necessity  has  put  aside 
the  realization  of  other  aims  of  the  Committee  until  the  time  when  the  Govern- 
ment takes  into  its  own  hands  the  care  of  relieving  the  sufferings  of  refugees, 
thus  releasing  the  Committee  from  the  expenditures  necessary  for  the  settlement 
of  these  unfortunates,  expenditures  too  heavy  for  a  philanthropic  organization. 

The  Committee's  sources  of  income  consist  of:  (1)  philanthropic  funds, 
including  one-time  contributions,  monthly  contributions  and  collections  derived 
from  voluntary  self-taxation  of  the  Jewish  population  (5  per  cent,  of  the  budget 
of  expenditures);  (2)  subsidies  from  the  Special  Conference  and  (3)  con- 
tributions for  a  special  purpose,  chiefly  for  the  organization  of  a  fund  'for  the 
rebuilding  of  homes  and  for  the  care  of  families  of  soldiers  killed  in  war. 

The  accounts  of  the  Jewish  Committee  up  to  January  1st,  1916,  and  from- 
January  1st  to  March  1st,  1916,  show  the  following  data: 

The  sum  total  of  expenditures  by  the  Committee  since  the  beginning  of 
its  actvities  in  September,  1914,  up  to  January  1st,  1916,  is  5,290,381 .  90  Roubles. 

This  amount  includes  the  sums  expended  by  the  Committee,  but  not  in- 
cluding the  sums  assigned  by  the  Committee  to  various  local  philanthropic 
institutions,  requested  after  January  1st,  1916,  or  laid  out  for  the  Central 
Committee  and  subject  to  reimbursement. 

Up  to  January  1st,  1916,  the  books  of  the  Committee  show  an  income 
of  5,709,188.47  R.,  from  which  sum  up  to  August  13th,  1915,  that  is  the  day 
of  the  enforcement  of  the  rule  concerning  the  Special  Conference  in  regard  to 
the  organization  of  refugees,  have  entered  the  sums:  (a)  two  grants  from  the 
Council  of  Ministers,  500,000  R.  each,  a  reimbursement  of  sums  expended 
for  reHef  work,  a  total  of  1,000,000  R.,  and  (b)  an  assignment  by  the  Special 
Conference  in  September  500,000  R.,  in  December  1,300,000  R.,  a  total  amount 
of  1,800,000  R.  The  rest,  that  is  2,909,188.47  R.,  has  been  received  through 
philanthropic  contributions  made  to  the  Jewish  Committee  of  Petrograd. 

It  is  necessary  to  state  that  the  Jewish  Committee  of  Petrograd,  as  a  Central 
Committee,  does  not  receive,  directly,  any  contributions  from  the  Committee  of 
Her  Imperial  Highness  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna  (regarding  assign- 
ments to  organizations  devoted  to  the  needs  of  refugees,  as  the  Society  for  the 
Spread  of  Education  among  Jews  and  the  Society  for  the  Safe-Guarding  of  the 
Health  of  the  Jewish  Population,  these  items  will  be  explained  in  the  paragraph 
regarding  the  educational  and  medico-sanitary  assistance  given  to  Jewish 
refugees.) 


Russicni  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  39 

The  income  entered  into  the  books  of  the  Committee  up  to  January  1st, 
1916,  consists  of  the  following  sums: 

1.  Contributions  and  Collections: 
(a.)    In  the  City  of  Petrograd: 

Single  Contributions R.  769,522.77 

Monthly  Contributions 207,682 .  19 

Self-Taxation 216,027.72 

R.l, 193,232. 68 

(b.)    Collected  in  different  localities  out- 
side of  Petrograd: 

vSingle  Contributions R.  811,904.38 

Monthly  Contributions 89,933.82 

R.  2,095,070.88 

2.  Grants  from  the  Government: 


From  the  Council  of  Ministers R.  1,000,000.00 

From  the   Special   Conference    on    the 

organization  of  refugees 1,800,000.00 


2,800,000.00 


3.  Contributions  recei\  ed  from  individuals  and  institutions 

in  Russia  and  abroad,  donated  for  the  rebuilding 

of  homes,  the  realization  of  various  aims,  etc 777,560.53 

4.  Interest  on  the  current  accoimt 19,995.70 

5.  Collected  from  District  Committees,  but  not  entered 

as  yet 16,561.36 


Total R.  5,709,188.47 


Disbursements  up  to  January  1,  1916: 

1.  Relief  to  the  population  of  Poland  (detailed  data 

has  been  submitted  to  the  Special  Conference  in  the 

report,  dated  November  1,  1915) R.  1,067,100.09 

2.  To    organizations    of    the    north-western    part    of 

Russia,  before  the  evacuation  of  the  population . .  84,245 .  00 

3.  Relief  to  refugees  and  emigrants  and  expenses  for 

their  evacuation: 

(a.)    Before  their  settling  in  the 

Provinces  of  the  rear.  .  .  R.  1,446,779.76 
(b.)    In  the  places  of  Settlement.       1,488,206.91 

2,934,986 .  67 

4.  Relief  to  the  local  population 37,793.40 

5.  Relief  to  Jews  of  invaded  Galicia  (by  permission  of 

the  Government) 185,400.00 

6.  Relief  to  refugees  from  Syria  and  Palestine 11,000.00 

7.  Individual  relief  (to  rabbis  and  individuals) 38,831.70 

8.  Securing   work   for  refugees    (through   the   Society 

for  Manual  and  Agricultural  Labor  among  Jews 

and  other  associations) 132,045 .  00 

9.  Relief  in  Petrograd,  including  relief  given  to  wounded 

soldiers,  to  families  of  reservists  and  refugees  in 

Petrograd,  the  malting  of  linen  for  refugees 160,896.75 

10.  To   the   Society   for   Safe-Guarding   the  Health  of 

the    Jewish   population   and    for    medico-sanitary 

assistance  given  to  refugees 50,000.00 

11.  Medical  and  feeding  expeditions  (including  1,000  R. 

to  the  Red  Cross  in  Warsaw) 41,690. 15 

12.  Assistance  given  by  making  loans  through  savings 

and  loan  banks  (see  report  of  November  1,  1915) 

and  other  institutions 252,800.00 

Carried  forward R.  4,996,788 .76 


40  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Brought  forward R.  4,996,788.76 

13.  For  educational  purposes 45,090 .  00 

14.  For  the  making  of  unleavened  bread  for  the  coming 

Passover 23,500.00 

15.  Expenditures   of   the   Organization,    including   the 

maintenance  of  the  Registration  and  Information 

Bureaus  (see  below) 58,436.49 

16.  Salary  to  executives,   traveling  expenses,  etc.  (see 

below) 136,160. 14 

17.  Supplementary  and  incidental  expenses 30,406.51 

Total  amount  of  expenditures R.  5,290,381. 90 

For  the  months  of  January  and  February  the  current 
accounts  show  the  following  sums: 

INCOME: 

January: 

Grant  from  the  Special  Confer- 
ence     R.  500,000.00 

Contributions 85,418 .  86 

Contributions  for  special  purposes.  74,677.60 

On  hand  with  the  District  Com- 
mittees   6,953.00 

Reimbursement  of  loans  to  the 
Petrograd  Society  of  Relief 
to  the  Poor,  for  the  needs  of 
families  of  reservists 15,000.00 

R.  682,049.46 

February: 

Contributions R.  93,433.79 

Contributions  for  special  purposes.  55,321 .  15 
On  hand  with  the  District  Com- 
mittees   3,361.00 

Reimbursement  of  loans 19,908.00 

172,023.95 

Total  for  2  months,  up  to  March  1st R.  854,073.41 

DISBURSEMENTS: 

January : 

To  local  Committees,  for  relief  to 

refugees R.  277,328 .  00 

To  the  Committee  of  the  District 

ofKieff 82,332.00 

Relief  to  Jews  of  the   Province   of 

Tamopol,  Galicia 50,000.00 

Assistance  through  work  given.  .  .  .  13,150.00 

To  the  Society  for  the  Protection 
of  Women,  for  the  making  of 
linen 10,400.00 

Appropriations  for  needs  in  Petro- 
grad.....   12,322.46 

Individual  relief  and  loans 9,105.00 

General  expenses 10,707 .  20 

Salary  to  executives 11,536.59 

For    the    making    of    unleavened 

bread  for  Passover 94,230 .  00 

Carried  forward R.  571,111.25 


Russian  Jeivish  Relief  Committee.  41 

Brought  forward - R.  571,111 .25 

February : 

Assistance  to  Committees  for  the 

needs  of  refugees R.  348,763.00 

To  the  Committee  of  the  District 

of  Moscow 50,000.00 

To  the  Committee  of  the  District 

of  KiefT 25,000.00 

To  the  Society  for  Safe-Guarding 
the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Popu- 
lation for  medico-sanitary 
measures 15,000.00 

To  the  Society  for  the  Protection 
of  Women,  for  the  making  of 
linen... 12,000.00 

To  organizations  for  meeting  needs 

in  Petrograd 26,912.84 

Relief  to  refugees  from  Syria  and 

Palestine 4,975. 11 

Relief  and  loans  to  individuals 9,331.60 

General  expenses 11,521 .58 

Salaries  to  executives 12,143.70 

Miscellaneous 5,620.00 

For    the    making    of    unleavened 

bread 75,900.00 

597,167.83 

Total  for  two  months R.  1,168,279.08 

Grand  Total  of   Income  up   to   March    1, 

1916 R.  6,563,281.88 

Expenses 6,458,660. 98 

Balance R.    107,620. 90 

If  from  the  sum  expended 6,458,660.98 

Is  deducted    the    sum    received    from    the 

Government,  namely 3,300,000.00 

It  will  be  noticed  that  the  Central  Jewish 
Committee  alone  has  expended  con- 
tributed funds  to  the  amount  of 3,158,660.98 

Including  donations  for  special  purposes: 

Up  to  January  the  sum  of 777,560.53 

In  January 74,677.60 

In  February 55,321.10 

R.  907,559.29 
From  which  sum  on  March  1st  the  Committee  only  had. . .    R.  104,600.90 

Into  the  total  of  expenses  enter  also  expenditures  of  a  kind  which  could 
not  be  defined  as  expenses  for  the  relief  to  refugees  and  sums  spent  on  assisting 
the  Jewish  population  of  that  part  of  Galicia  which  was  occupied  by  military 
forces.  But  if  the  sums  expended  in  September,  1915,  for  all  forms  of  relief 
of  refugees  provided  for  by  the  rule  of  August  30th,  1915,  are  added  up, 
they  will  show  a  total  of  R.  4,348,831;  to  cover  which  during  that  period 
has  been  received  from  loans  of  the  Special  Conference  the  sum  of  R.  2,300,000; 
and,  therefore,  from  the  philanthropic  funds  of  the  Committee  of  Petrograd 
alone  has  been  expended  for  the  needs  of  refugees  the  sum  of  R.  2,048,831. 


42  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Part  of  this  sum  was  spent  from  'money  donated  for  special  purposes  and 
must  be  counted  as  constituting  the  debt  of  the  Committee. 

In  addition  to  assistance  given  to  refugees  by  the  Committee  of  Petrograd, 
their  needs  were  also  covered  by  contributed  funds  of  the  Committees  of  Moscow 
and  Kieff  and  by  the  fimds  of  the  local  Jewish  Provincial  and  City  Committees. 
The  data  on  hand  shows  the  expenditure  of  the  following  charitable  funds: 
spent  by  the  Committee  of  the  District  of  Moscow  up  to  November  1st,  1915, 
approximately  738,000  R.;  during  November  and  December,  403,563  R.;  during 
January  and  February,  320,827  R.;  a  total  of  more  than  1,400,000  R.  The 
Committee  of  the  District  of  Kieff  spent  up  to  November  1st,  1915,  approximately 
565,000  R.  (a  printed  report  is  attached  hereto) ;  from  November  1st  up  to  March 
1st,  as  per  data  on  hand  200,000  R.;  expended  by  the  Committee  of  Riga 
approximately  150,000  R.,  by  Kharkoff  up  to  the  present  time  more  than  250,000 
R.,  in  Ekaterinoslav  approximately  150,000  R.,  in  the  Province  of  Taurida 
approximately  150,000  R.,  and  spent  by  other  Committees,  and,  according 
to  an  approximate  but  careful  account,  other  Committees  have  expended  not 
less  than  1,000,000  R.,  a  total  of  approximately  3,865,000  R.,  and  added  to 
the  expenditure  of  the  Committee  of  Petrograd  3,158,660.98  R.  more  than 
7,000,000  R. 

In  view  of  these  notable  and  self-sacrificing  efforts  of  philanthropy,  a 
further  considerable  income  of  contributions,  especially  in  the  near  future,  can- 
not be  looked  forward  to. 


n. 

Detailed  information  as  to  the  work  of  organization  and  as  to  the  activity 
of  the  Jewish  Committee  for  the  relief  to  victims  of  the  war  in  Petrograd  and 
financial  data  up  to  November  1st,  1915,  are  given  in  the  report  submitted 
to  the  Committee  in  November,  1915.  For  the  past  four  months  the  Com- 
mittee has  continued  its  activity,  in  all  its  phases,  with  the  same  aims  in  view, 
while  the  character  of  the  Committee,  as  a  Central  Committee,  has  in  no  way 
changed.  During  the  present  period  of  accounting,  the  Committee  had  to 
replenish  the  funds  of  local  committees  and  organizations  whose  means  could 
not  satisfy  the  crying  needs  of  refugees.  The  necessity  of  such  replenishment 
is  explained  by  the  fact  that  in  many  localities,  as  will  be  shown  in  detail  below, 
the  only  source  of  income  for  the  assistance  to  refugees  were  the  means  of  the 
Central  Committee.  In  other  localities,  where  certain  assignments  were  re- 
ceived from  rural  and  city  organizations  and  where  such  assigments  had  ceased, 
the  supplying  of  means  to  satisfy  the  needs  of  refugees  became  the  duty  of  the 
Central  Committee.  The  local  income  from  charitable  donations  is  becoming 
smaller  and  smaller,  and  consequently  some  localities  previously  not  needing 
the  assistance  of  either  the  local  organizations  or  the  Central  Jewish  Com- 
mittee, were  forced  to  ask  help  from  these  sources  of  relief.  Finally,  even 
in  those  communities  where  Provincial  organizations  make  provision  in  their 
budget  for  the  care  of  Jewish  refugees,  having  no  funds,  the  local  Jewish  Com- 
mittees were  obliged  to  ask  for  assistance  from  the  Central  Committee,  so  as 
not  to  let  the  Jewish  refugees  starve. 

The  total  number  of  Jewish  refugees  registered  March  1st  and  up  to  the 
present  time  is  185,596,  whereas  on  November  1st  were  registered  approximately 
160,000.     Nevertheless,  it  must  be  acknowledged  that  the  number  of  refugees 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  43 

asking  for  support  is  gradually  decreasing.  As  will  be  seen  from  the  detailed 
bulletin  regarding  the  number  of  refugees  which  was  attached  to  the  report 
of  November  1st,  1915,  in  some  localities  it  was  impossible  to  secure  information 
as  to  the  number  of  refugees;  during  the  last  four  months,  however,  this  infor- 
mation has  been  forthcoming,  and  this  is,  to  a  certain  extent,  the  reason  for 
the  increase  in  the  numbers  of  refugees,  although  even  at  the  present  time  there 
are  a  certain  number  of  refugees  who  are  availing  themselves  of  relief,  without 
affecting  the  information  at  the  disposal  of  the  Central  Committee.  If  one 
compares  the  former  data  with  that  on  hand  at  the  present  tifhe  (enclosure 
No.  2),  it  will  be  seen  that  the  increase  has  occurred  in  the  Province  of  Minsk, 
formerly  22,422,  now  23,529,  which  increase  can  be  explained  by  the  fact  that 
the  registration  increased  through  a  number  of  refugees  removed  from  the 
theatre  of  war  by  military  authorities,  as  for  instance  from  the  villages  of 
Leachotitshi,  Ganzevitshi,  etc. 

The  Province  of  Vilna  has  now  3,166  refugees,  where  formerly  were  1,155. 
The  increase  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  in  November  a  considerable  number 
of  refugees  who  had  recently  left  their  communities,  had  not  been  registered, 
and,  in  addition  to  this,  owing  to  the  duration  of  military  activities  in  a  certain 
part  of  the  Province  of  Vilna,  a  considerable  number  of  the  population  have 
voluntarily  left  their  homes. 

There  was  formerly  no  information  available  from  the  Province  of  Livonia; 
at  the  present  time  there  are  2,048  refugees  there. 

The  Province  of  Volhynia  has  registered  520  refugees  in  November;  at  the 
present  time  there  are  8,259  registered,  all  of  whom  are  in  utter  need;  the  in- 
crease in  the  number  is  explained  by  military  conditions,  by  the  impossibility, 
owing  to  military  activities  which  prevailed  in  the  Fall,  to  keep  up  an  accurate 
registration,  especially  in  the  District  of  Rovno. 

In  the  Province  of  Ekaterinoslav,  according  to  additional  information 
now  received,  it  is  seen  that  the  total  number  of  needy  refugees  is  13,211  instead 
of  10,793  as  registered  before. 

Additional  registration  is  the  reason  for  the  increase  in  the  numbers  of 
refugees  from  5,368  to  10,842  in  the  Province  of  Poltava. 

A  small  increase  in  niunbers  is  due  to  the  same  cause  in  the  Province  of 
Taurida,  from  8,350  to  9,074. 

In  Kharkoff,  formerly  5,337,  now  8,021,  and  in  the  Province  of  Tchemigoff 
instead  of  671  the  number  is  1,052,  owing  to  the  influx  of  refugees  from 
Volhynia. 

Thus  the  increase  is  noted  chiefly  in  provinces  touching  the  south-western 
and  north-western  front  line,  whereas  in  the  provinces  of  the  interior  the  number 
of  refugees,  notwithstanding  additional  registration,  has  changed  only  very 
Httle,  which  fact  proves  clearly  that  the  number  of  refugees  who  are  gradually 
settling  down  is  increasing  more  and  more.  In  some  localities,  where  regis- 
tration has  been  more  complete,  this  decrease  is  positively  proved  by  statistics. 
Thus,  in  the  Province  of  Irkutsk,  there  are  now  only  334  needy  refugees  instead 
of  712  as  previously  reported.  In  the  Province  of  Kazan  are  1,424  instead  of 
1,927.  In  the  Province  of  Kostroma  770  instead  of  825.  In  the  Province  of 
Novgorod  456  instead  of  677.  In  the  Province  of  Tver  1,011  instead  of  1,670, 
etc. 

The  gradual  decrease  in  numbers  of  those  receiving  food  rations  may  be 
proved  also  by  other  facts.     At  the  present  time  various  Committees  covering 


44  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

82  points  submitted  their  reports  to  the  Committee.  These  reports  show  that 
not  all  the  refugees  avail  themselves  of  food  rations,  the  percentage  of  those 
taking  advantage  of  rations  wavering  between  100  and  60,  that  out  of  the 
total  number  of  63,247  registered  refugees  only  52,989  receive  the  food  ration, 
which  is  84  per  cent.,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  all  the  refugees  are 
registered  and  avail  themselves  of  assistance  of  one  sort  or  another. 

Data  in  the  possession  of  the  Committee  shows  that  the  element  of  refugees 
at  the  present  time  still  needing  the  food  ration  is  somewhat  changing,  independent 
of  the  fact  that  the  total  number  has  decreased  owing  to  the  fact  that  a 
certain  number  of  refugees,  who  formerly  had  in  many  localities  received  these 
rations,  have  now  more  or  less  settled  down,  having  secured  work,  whereas  others, 
who  formerly  did  not  need  the  assistance  of  local  Committees,  having  spent 
their  last  means,  have  now  to  ask  for  support. 

At  the  present  time  the  work  of  compiling  statistical  data  from  the  mass 
of  material  at  the  disposal  of  the  Bureau  of  Inquiry  attached  to  the  Central 
Committee  (see  below),  in  order  to  determine  the  class  of  Jewish  refugees,  is 
now  being  completed.  But  even  now,  the  data  on  hand  shows  clearly  that 
the  largest  contingent  of  refugees  consists  of  people  incapable  of  work,  of  women 
and  children.  Men  capable  of  work  form  only  10  to  18  per  cent.  This  accounts 
for  the  fact  that  from  the  total  amount  of  450,000  Jews  who  left  their  homes, 
only  185,596  are  taken  care  of  by  Committees. 

Concerning  the  sources  of  income  for  the  covering  of  needs  of  refugees,  the 
points  of  activity  of  the  Jewish  Committees  are  divided  into  the  following 
Districts: 

(1)  Provinces  of  the  northwestern  front  line,  Vilna,  Vitebsk,  Livonia, 
Minsk,  Moghilev,  have  a  total  of  53,534  refugees.  Here  the  refugees,  with 
exceptions  which  will  be  shown  in  time,  are  cared  for  by  the  Central  Committee 
exclusively.  Another  peculiarity  of  this  District  is  that  more  than  half  of 
their  total  number  were  not  able  to  find  shelter  in  lodgings  maintained  for 
refugees.  In  order  to  house  these  refugees,  every  available  building  has  been 
occupied,  as  for  instance,  temples  and  public  halls,  school  houses,  and  Talmud- 
Toras,  and,  therefore,  the  expense  for  these  lodgings,  their  heating,  lighting 
and  furnishing  is  comparatively  small, on  the  other  hand  although  the  medico- 
sanitary  expense  is  large.  At  the  same  time,  in  spite  of  all  the  care  taken,  one 
cannot  say  that  the  sanitary  conditions  of  refugees  in  these  provinces  is  what  it 
ought  to  be  and  further  measures  must  necessarily  be  taken. 

(2)  Provinces  of  the  southwestern  front  line,  which  in  turn  are  divided 
into  two  categories:  (a)  the  Provinces  of  Ekaterinoslav,  Poltava,  Taurida, 
Kharkoff,  with  a  total  of  41,148  refugees  and  (b)  the  Provinces  of  Bessarabia, 
Volhynia,  Kieff,  Podolia  and  Tchemigoff,  with  a  total  of  16,836  refugees,  the 
total  of  the  entire  District  being  57,984.  The  first  group  receives  the  means 
for  food  and  lodgings  (heated)  from  the  local  rural  and  city  organizations;  these 
means  are,  however,  not  sufficient  to  cover  the  needs  of  the  great  number  of 
refugees.  The  second  group  receives  very  scant  means  from  rural  organizations, 
and  the  matter  of  caring  for  Jewish  refugees  becomes  wholly  the  duty  of  the 
Committee  of  the  District  of  Kieff,  which  is  spending  its  philanthropic  funds 
for  this  piu-pose  and  has  to  ask  for  assistance  from  the  Central  Jewish  Com- 
mittee. Clothing  and  shoes  are  provided  entirely  by  the  national  organization. 
As  to  the  question  of  housing  the  refugees,  it  will  also  be  necessary  to  differ- 
entiate both    above-named    categories,    the  first  as  being  able  to  solve  more 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  45 

satisfactorily  the  problem  of  housing,  except  in  the  case  of  certain  points,  as 
for  instance  in   the  town   of   Mariupol,  and,  therefore,  needing  larger  grants. 

(3)  Provinces  of  the  interior  or  of  the  rear  have  a  total  of  74,078  refugees. 
In  these  Provinces,  with  certain  exceptions,  which  wdll  be  shown  in  time,  the 
greatest  part  of  the  means  necessary  for  providing  food  and  lodgings  to  refugees 
is  supplied  through  funds  assigned  for  the  general  needs  of  these  Provinces. 
The  accounts  of  the  last  four  months  differ  greatly  from  those  previously  rendered, 
when  the  Circular  of  the  Department  of  Police  which  was  later  revoked,  was 
still  in  force  which  stated  that  all  Jewish  refugees  should  be  cared  for  by 
the  Jewish  Committee  of  Petrograd  exclusively.  But  here  also  in  some  Provinces, 
as  for  instance,  in  the  Province  of  Kursk,  which  did  not  enter  at  all  into  the 
united  rural  organizations,  partly  in  the  Provinces  of  Tula,  Kaluga  and  Nizhni 
Novgorod,  as  well  as  in  certain  Districts  of  the  Province  of  Voronezh,  the  care 
of  Jewish  refugees  depends  wholly  upon  the  local  Jewish  Committees,  which 
in  turn  receive  their  funds  from  the  Moscow  Society  for  the  Relief  to  the  Victims 
of  War,  which,  having  spent  considerable  sums  from  its  philanthropic  funds, 
was  obliged  to  ask  for  assistance  from  the  Central  Jewish  Committee  of  Petro- 
grad. 

As  the  Statutes  worked  out  by  the  Special  Conference  and  now  approved  by 
the  Minister  of  the  Interior  are  not  enforced  as  yet,  many  vital  needs  have  been 
relieved  by  the  Central  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  Moscow,  who  acted 
through  other  Jewish  organizations:  The  Society  for  the  Spread  of  Education 
Among  Jews,  the  Society  for  the  Safeguarding  of  the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Popu- 
lation and  the  Society  for  Manual  and  Agricultural  Labor  Among  Jews,  whose 
requirements — educational,  medico-sanitary  and  labor — have  been  met  by  the 
Committees  of  Petrograd  and  Moscow. 

The  cost  of  the  food  ration  supplied  from  the  funds  of  local  Committees 
as  well  as  from  those  of  the  Central  Committee,  does  not  exceed  the  general 
average  established  for  a  given  Province,  which  is  the  average  of  20  k.,  but  is 
also  rarely  below  the  minimum  average  of  15  k.  As  will  be  seen  from  the  data 
in  the  possession  of  the  Central  Committee,  almost  everywhere  there  exists 
a  system  of  reducing  the  average  cost  of  the  food  ration  with  the  increased  num- 
bers of  members  in  one  family. 

It  is  understood  that  in  all  instances  where  the  needs  of  refugees  are  supplied 
by  united  organizations,  rural  and  city  organizations,  the  general  average  is  in 
force.  The  general  average  does  also  exist  in  those  few  localities  of  the  north- 
western front  line,  where  city  organizations  supplied  the  food  ration  in  actual 
foodstuffs,  but  also  in  cases  where,  as  for  instance,  in  Minsk,  the  food  rations 
are  supplied  almost  exclusively  from  funds  of  the  Jewish  Committee,  the  cost 
of  the  ration  does  not  exceed  the  average  of  15  k.  per  individual,  in  spite  of  the 
fact  that,  owing  to  the  scruples  of  Jews  who  eat  only  the  so-called  "kosher" 
meat,  the  meat  is  more  expensive,  and  consequently  the  quantity  of  consumed 
meat  is  considerably  lower  than  the  general  average,  and  nowhere  exceeds  the 
amount  of  |  lb.  per  adult. 

(Note. — A  typical  food  ration  is  the  one  supplied  by  the  Jewish  Committee  of 
Astrakhan,  which  consists  of  \  lb.  meat,  \\  lb.  bread,  tea  and  two  lumps  of 
sugar,  i  lb.  potatoes  -and  \  lb.  cereal.) 

As  to  the  question  of  housing,  this  problem  remains  unsolved  in  the  Provinces 
of  the  Interior.  In  certain  localities,  as  in  Nizhni  Novgorod,  Penza,  Orenburg 
and  others,  up  to  the  present  time,  a  considerable  number  of  refugees  are  housed 


46  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

en  masse,  the  finding  of  separate  lodgings  being  an  impossibility.  The  transfer 
of  some  of  these  refugees  to  other  localities  must  be  given  considerable 
thought,  as,  aside  from  the  danger  in  regard  to  sanitation  and  the  pernicious 
moral  influence,  the  care  of  a  considerable  number  of  people  herded  together 
and  the  very  possibility  of  organizing  them  and  bringing  them  back  to  work 
is  made  doubly  difficult.  Experience  has  shown  that  refugees  living  in  separate 
lodgings  settle  down  to  some  kind  of  business  or  work  more  quickly.  The 
living  of  refugees  en  masse  demands,  therefore,  considerable  moneys,  by  far 
exceeding  the  expense  necessary  either  for  the  evacuation  of  refugees  or  even 
for  .the  organization  of  special  lodgings. 

The  problem  of  supplying  refugees  with  warm  clothing  and  shoes  is  almost 
impossible  to  solve.  In  its  report  of  November  last,  the  Central  Committee 
calculated  that  75  per  cent,  of  the  total  number  of  refugees  must  be  suppHed 
with  clothing  and  shoes.  The  experience  of  the  last  four  months  shows 
that  more  "than  60  per  cent,  need  clothing  and  that  all  accounts  con- 
cerning the  cost  of  making  shoes  and  warm  clothing  could  not  justify  them- 
selves. At  the  present  time  the  Central  Committee  is  unable  to  submit  accurate 
data  regarding  the  number  of  individuals  who  have  availed  themselves  of  clothing 
as  well  as  of  the  number  of  pieces  of  clothing  distributed  among  refugees.  The 
local  rural  and  city  organizations  have  only  in  very  rare  instances  assisted  the 
Jewish  Committees;  for  this  purpose  sums  received  from  these  organizations, 
owing  to  their  insignificance,  cannot  influence  average  conclusions.  Further 
will  be  submitted  accounting  data  of  the  different  aspects  of  relief  work  done 
up  to  March  1st,  1916,  dividing  the  time  into  periods  from  Nov.  1st,  1915,  to 
Jan.  1st,  1916,  and  from  January  up  to  March  1st,  and  further,  in  view  of  the 
enforcement  of  new  rules  concerning  the  drawing  up  of  budgets  by  national 
organizations,  the  needs  for  the  current  month  of  March  will  be  enumerated. 


m. 

FOOD  SUPPLY. 

In  assigning  to  local  Committees  fimds  for  the  distribution  of  food  rations, 
the  Central  Committee  is  guided  by  detailed  reports  submitted  by  local  Com- 
mittees, in  which  are  pointed  out  the  number  of  refugees,  the  cost  of  the  ration 
and  the  means  through  which  the  demand  can  be  supplied — either  in  money  or 
in  actual  foodstuffs.  In  these  reports  are  shown  the  sources  from  which  the 
need  of  rations  can  be  supplied,  and  in  every  report  are  also  mentioned  the 
possible  local  philanthropic  funds  which  could  be  used  for  the  reUef  to  refugees. 
The  refugees  of  the  northwestern  and  southwestern  front  line  are  almost  all 
supplied  with  food  rations.  Up  to  the  present  time  the  provinces  of  the  north- 
western front  line  are  not  supplied  v/ith  rations  by  the  united  organizations,  and 
it  was  only  in  the  months  of  January  and  February  that  the  Northern  Relief 
Society  donated  50,000  R.  for  the  needs  of  refugees  in  the  Province  of  Minsk. 
In  its  report  of  December  1st,  1915,  the  Committee  gave  detailed  data  as  to  the 
funds  needed  for  the  refugees  of  that  District.  As  to  the  provinces  of  the  south- 
western front  line,  some  of  these,  as  mentioned  above,  are  partly  supplied  with 
means  to  cover  the  need  for  food  rations  by  local  rural  and  city  organizations — 
the  other  provinces, — those  of  Kieff,  Volhynia,  Podolia  and  Tchernigoff, — 
are  supplied  with  food  rations  from  funds  of  the  Committee  of  Kieff  exclusively. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  47 

which  at  the  present  time,  having  expended  all  its  philanthropic  resources,  covers 
the  needs  from  sums  granted  b}'-  the  Central  Committee. 

(Note. — The  Chief  Executive  of  the  southwestern  provinces,  Prince  N.  P. 
Urussoff,  has  stated  at  the  meeting  of  the  Specal  Conference  that  funds  for  the 
needs  of  Jewish  refugees  had  not  been  granted  to  him.) 

As  will  be  seen  from  detailed  reports,  the  Committee  has  appropriated  the 
following  sums  for  the  supply  of  food  to  refugees: 

1.     In  November  and  December,  1915: 

(a)  In  the  districts  of  provinces  of  both  front  lines,  cover- 
ing 181  points,  with  a  total  of  98,944  refugees R.  445,030.00 

Expended  from  this  sum  for  the  supply  of  food  to  refugees 
in  the  City  of  Minsk  and  Province  of  Minsk,  for  the 
supply  of  food  to  21,509  refugees  in  the  City  of  Minsk 
and  its  Districts 186,128.00 

In  the  City  of  Dvinsk,  for  7,120  refugees,  part  of  whom 
have  received  actual  food  stuffs  from  the  stores  of  the 
Union  of  Cities 34,000.00 

In  the  Province  of  Taurida,  for  the  needs  of  refugees  living 
in  ten  different  cities  of  the  Province,  9,074  refugees; 
an  appropriation  was  called  for  as  the  local  rural  Com- 
mittee did  not  allow  food  rations  in    every  city 35,000.00 

In  the  Province  of  Ekaterinoslav,  for  the  needs  of  13,211 
refugees  in  21  towns,  also  on  account  of  lack  of  sys- 
tematic supply  from  rural  organizations 24,152.00 

In  the  Province  of  Poltava,  for  the  needs  of  10,842  refugees 

in  17  points,  owing  to  the  same  cause «       29,700.00 

Here  it  is  necessary  to  state  that  in  all  the  above 
named  Provinces  considerable  sums  for  the  supply  of 
food  to  refugees  are  expended  from  public  funds, 
collected  by  local  Committees. 

The  District  Committee  of  ELieff  has  been  assigned  in  De- 
cember, for  supplying  food  to  refugees  of  the  Provinces 
of  Kieff,  Podolia,  Volhynia  and  Tchemigoff,  covering 
50  points  with  13,312  refugees,  in  addition  to  sums 
expended  by  the  District  Committee  from  philanthropic 
funds,  a  sum  of 35,000 .  00 

In  Riga  where  there  are  2,048  refugees  and  where  at  the 
present  time,  due  to  military  operations  there  is  no 
source  from  w^hich  to  supply  refugees  and  as  there  is 
no  assistance  forthcoming  from  the  Northern  Relief 
Society,  was  assigned 45,000 .  00 

(b)  In  the  Eastern  Provinces  the  need  for  food  rations 
was  satisfied  from  means  assigned  by  the  Governors  and 
expended  by  rural  and  city  districts,  and,  therefore, 
the  assignments  from  the  Central  Committee  were  not 
so  considerable  in  comparison  with  those  made  to  the 
districts  of  the  front  line.  Hero  the  Central  Com- 
mittee has  spent  for  November  and  December 19,158.92 

From  funds  of  the  District  Committee  of  Moscow,  minis- 
tering to  the  needs^of  the  Provinces  of  Tambov,  Riazan, 
Kaluga,  Voronezh,  Orel,  Vladimirsk,  Nizhni-Novgorod, 
Moscow,  Kursk  and  Tula,  was  assigned  in  November, 
65,500  R.  and  in  December,  32,800  R 98,300.00 

The  greatest  part  of  those  assignments  w^as  needed  for 
the  Province  of  Nizhni-Novgovod,  23,000  R.  The  need 
in  these  Provinces  for  special  appropriations  was  due 
to  the  fact  that  the  united  organizations,  suffering 
from  lack  of  funds,  do  not  give  the  means  necessary 
for  the  supply  of  food  rations,  and  in  certain  localities, 
as  for  instance  in  some  districts  of  the  Province  of 
Voronezh,  throughout   the   Provinces   of    Kursk    and 


48  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Orel,  the  Jewish  refugees  do  not,  up  to  the  present 
time,  receive  any  food  rations.  Thus  in  November  and 
December,  1915,  accounting  reports  have  previously- 
been  submitted  to  the  Special  Conference  in  November, 
1915,  the  total  of  expenditures  for  the  supply  of  food 

amount  to R.  562,488.92 

2.  During  January  and  February  have  been  assigned: 
(a)  In  Provinces  of  both  front  lines,  whereby  the  need 
for  assignments  for  the  city  of  Minsk  and  the  Province 
of  Minsk  has  considerably  decreased,  due  to  the  fact 
that  during  these  two  months  the  Northern  Relief 
Society  had  donated  100,000  R.  When  in  February 
the  distribution  of  provisions  from  the  stores  of  the 
Union  of  Cities  in  Dvinsk  discontinued,  the  assign- 
ments to  this  city  for  the  last  two  months  in- 
creased, forming  during  both  months  a  sum  of  42,000  R. 
At  the  exhaustion  of  philanthropic  funds  of  the  District 
Committee  of  Kieff,  ministering  to  the  Provinces  of 
Kieff,  Podolia,  Volhynia  and  Tchemigoff ,  an  assignment 

of  75,000  R.  was  needed 358,178.00 

'      (b)     To  the  Eastern  Provinces  were  assigned  the  sums  of 

16,137.62  R.  in  January  and  64,783  R.  in  February..  .  .  80,920.62 

And  in  addition  to  this  the  District  Committee  of  Moscow 
has  expended  44,850  R.  in  January,  and  33,569  R.  in 
February,  which  sums  are  subject  to  reimbursement.  .  .  78,419.00 

And  having  received,  as  shown  in  tabular  form,  from  the 

Central  Committee  in  February 50,000.00 

Subject  to  reimbursement 28,419.00 

Were  assigned,  therefore,  to  all  Eastern  Provinces 109,339.62 

Total  of  assignments  for  November  and  December 562,488.92 

Total  of  assignments  for  January  and  February 467,517.62 

Thus  the  total  expenditure  from  November  1st  to  March 

1st  shows  the  sum  of 1,030,006.54 

To  cover  this  expenditure,  the  Special  Conference  has  fur- 
nished a  loan,  in  November  of  200,000  R.,  in  January 

of  500,000  R 700,000.00 

Thus,  in  order  to  be  able  to  carry  out  the  budgets  for  January 
and  February,  an  additional  sum  is  needed,  amoimting 

to 330,006.54 

A    detailed    report    of    effected    assignments    and    account 

thereof  from  both  Districts  is  attached  hereto. 
As  to  the  needs  for  the  month  of  March,  the  Central  Com- 
mittee, has  received,  as  already  stated  above,  more 
than  80  reports,  covering  more  than  80  points.  How- 
ever, keeping  in  view  the  fact  that  the  new  and  already 
approved  rules  concerning  the  drawing  up  of  budgets 
to  be  submitted  to  the  Provincial  Board  of  Conferences 
will  be  enforced  in  the  month  of  April  and  that  at  the 
present  time  it  is  impossible  to  state  from  what  sources 
the  needs  for  food  supply  will  be  satisfied  in  the  localities 
from  where  these  reports  have  been  received,  the  Com- 
mittee does  not  find  it  possible  to  submit  these  reports 
for  the  consideration  of  the  Special  Committee,  these 
reports  also  needing  revision  on  the  part  of  the 
Committee,  and  the  Committee  has  therefore  to  limit 
itself  to  the  following  data: 
The  Provinces  of  both  front  lines  having  to  care  for  111,518 
refugees,  the  food  supply  has  to  be  distributed  to  84 
per  cent,  of  this  number,  as  already  stated  above,  that 
is  for  93,675  refugees.  Taking  the  average  of  the  food 
ration  at  17  k.  per  day  or  5  R.  10  k.  per  month,  the 
Committee  will  need  for  these  Provinces  a  sum  of 477,742.50 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  49 

For  the  distribution  of  food  rations  in  the  eastern  Provinces, 
including  the  District  of  Moscow,  in  those  localities 
where  the  food  ration  is  not  supplied  by  the  united 
organizations,  for  the  74,078  refugees,  84  per  cent,  of 
which  makes  the  number  62,226,  counting  the  cost 
of  ration  5  R.  10  k. R.  317,352.60 

As  at  the  present  time  it  is  not  known  which  of  the  Com- 
mittees of  this  District  shall  receive  in  March  funds 
for  the  supply  of  food  from  united  organizations,  the 
Committee  asks  for  an  advance  sum  of 200,000.00 

Should  the  reports  submitted  to  the  Committee  show  that 
the  respective  Committees  have  received  sums  from 
the  united  organizations,  such  sums  will  be  counted 
as  part  of  the  future  April  assignments,  and  shall  be 
accounted  for  in  the  next  report  submitted  to  the 
Committee.  Thus,  the  total  of  the  item  "Food  Supply" 
for  January,  February  and  March,  shows  the  sum  of....       1,007,749.00 


IV. 
SUPPLY   OF  CLOTHING   AND   SHOES. 

The  funds  for  the  supply  of  clothing  and  shoes  for  refugees  are  entirely 
supplied  through  the  funds  of  the  Central  Committee  for  the  Relief  to  the  Vic- 
tims of  War,  the  Tatiana  Committee  having  donated  only  small  sums  in  single 
cases;  (Kieff  has  received  10,000  R.,  Odessa  10,000  R.,  Ekaterinoslav  has 
received  6,000  R.  for  needy  children  owing  to  an  epidemic  of  typhoid  fever  and 
Kazan  has  received  from  the  rural  Committee  5,000  R.) 

The  sums  assigned  for  clothing,  shoes  and  linen  up  to  January,  1916,  were 
1,314,647  R.,  from  January  to  March  1st,  247,394  R.,  making  a  total  of 
1,561,996  R.*  In  subtracting  from  this  sum  the  sum  of  100,000  R.  used  for 
the  needs  of  Jews  of  Galicia,  which  sum  must  not  be  referred  to  sums  for  the 
relief  to  refugees  (rule  of  August  30th,  1915),  1,451,996  R.  (Reports  and  Accounts 
covering  various  Districts  are  attached  hereto.) 

Out  of  these  sums  851,693  R.  have  been  spent  for  the  needs  of  the  Provinces 
of  both  front  lines;  the  Provinces  of  the  interior  required  610,303  R.  In 
the  first  District  410,951  refugees  have  been  cared  for,  which  makes  an  average 
of  7  R.  7  k.  per  individual  (851,693  R.  :  110,951  R.).  Data  on  hand  shows  that 
from  the  total  number  of  refugees  65  per  cent,  were  in  need  of  clothing,  shoes 
and  linen,  that  is  72,118  refugees,  and,  therefore,  the  average  sum  spent  per 
individual  amounts  to  11  R.  81  k.  The  second  District  has  cared  for  59,505 
refugees,  with  an  average  of  10  R.  25  k.  spent  per  individual;  here  the  per- 
centage of  the  needy  is  greater  owing  to  a  harsher  climate  comparing  to  that 
of  the  southwestern  Provinces.  Data  on  hand  shows  that  here  70  per  cent, 
received  an  average  of  14  R.  65  k.  per  individual.  The  difference  in  expenditure 
of  these  two  Districts  is  partly  explained  by  the  fact  that  in  the  Provinces  of  the 
front  line  the  refugees  live  chiefly  in  barracks,  and,  therefore,  the  need  for  warm 
clothing  could  be  satisfied  in  a  smaller  degree,  and  that  a  certain  part  of  that  need 
(only  in  the  District  of  Minsk)  a  certain  amount  of  warm  clothing  has  been 
received  from  the  Northern  Relief  Society.  To  satisfy  this  need  the  Special 
Council  has  assigned  100,000,000  R.  and  thus  the  sums  of  the  State  failed  to  cover 

*  The  Governor  of  the  Province  of   Tarnopol  had    reported   the  necessity  of 
immediate  relief  to  Jews  of  that  Province. 


50  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

the  needs  for  clothing,  shoes  and  Hnen  for  refugees  during  the  months  of  January 
and  February  to  the  amount  of  461,996  R.  (1,461,996  R.  —  1,000,000  R.). 

By  order  of  the  Central  Committee,  the  Local  Committees  are  now  pre- 
paring detailed  reports  concerning  the  supply  of  clothing,  shoes  and  linen,  with 
accurate  specifications  as  to  the  quantity  of  pieces  of  clothing  provided  and 
the  number  of  refugees  supplied  with  same,  with  special  mention  as  to  the  kind 
of  pieces  of  clothing  distributed  and  to  what  element  of  refugees,  together  with 
an  accurate  account  for  the  expenditure  of  buying  of  ready  made  clothing  as  well 
as  for  raw  materials  and  for  the  labor  for  making  clothing  from  same  and  with 
further  mention  as  to  what  kind  of  clothing  had  been  made  by  refugees  themselves 
and  what  remuneration  they  had  received,  with  all  documents  covering  this 
item  attached.  At  the  present  time  these  documents  are  beginning  to  come  in 
and  after  they  have  been  received  from  all  the  Committees  and  have  been  duly 
classified,  a  detailed  report  and  account  will  be  submitted  to  the  Department 
for  the  Organization  of  Refugees. 

At  the  present  time  further  needs  for  clothing  and  shoes  have  to  be  satisfied, 
especially  do  a  certain  number  of  the  former  element  of  refugees  as  well  as  part 
of  those  who  have  not  been  as  yet  cared  for,  need  linen  (from  a  total  of  185,500 
refugees,  170,500  have  been  cared  for  as  shown  above)  a  total  of  15,000. 

Taking  the  established  average  of  20  R.  a  year  per  individual  and  counting 
the  needy  as  60  per  cent,  (as  the  refugees  are  gradually  securing  work  and 
settling  down),  it  will  be  clear  that  60  per  cent,  out  of  185,596  refugees  will  be 
11,500  and  20  R.  per  individual  will  make  a  total  of  2,222,600  R.,  and  as 
1,462,000  R.  have  already  been  expended,  the  further  need  will  be  760,600  R., 
which,  divided  among  111,000  refugees  needing  clothing,  linen  and  shoes,  will 
show  the  sum  of  R.  6.85  per  individual. 

Expecting  to  continue  the  supply  during  the  current  two  months,  the 
Committee  asks  for  an  additional  assignment  for  the  month  of  March  for  a  sum 
of  400,000  R.  and  thus  asks  for  the  items  mentioned  above  for  the  months  of 
January,  February  and  March,  as  for  the  budgets  already  carried  out  for 
January  and  February,  so  for  the  budget  to  be  carried  out  in  March  (461,996  R. 
—  400,000  R.),  861,996  R.,  while  for  April  another  assignment  for  a  sum  of 
360,000  R.  is  expected. 

V. 

HOUSING  AND   HEATING. 

Assignments  for  housing  and  heating  received  from  the  Central  Committee 
show  the  sums  of: 

(a)    In  the  District  of  both  front  lines: 

In  November R.  33,690.00 

In  December 46,690.00 

Total TTTTTTTTTTTT^  r.  80,380.oo 

Caring  for  69,105  refugees  in  87  localities: 

In  January R.  33,507.00 

In  February 30,207.00 

Total ' 63,714.00 

Grand  Total  for  four  months,   November  1st  to 

March  1st R.  144,094.00 

that  is  approximately  50  k.  a  month  per  individual. 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  51 

The  low  cost  of  housing  and  heating  is  explained  by  the 
fact,  as  shown  above,  that  the  greatest  part  of 
refugees  are  living  in  barracks  converted  into  such 
from  public  buildings,  and,  therefore,  rent  not  being 
paid.  On  the  other  hand  it  is  necessary  to  take  into 
consideration  that  part  of  the  expenditures  is  covered 
by  funds  from  local  philanthropic  institutions,  especially 
through  the  District  Committee  of  Kieff. 

(b)  The  expenditure  for  housing  in  the  eastern  Provinces 
during  November  and  December,  will 

amount  to R.  22,800.00 

January  and  February 56,494 .00 

Total R.  79,294.00 

The  insignificance  of  the  sum  being  explained  by  the  fact 
that  in  several  points  the  rural  and  city  Committees 
as  well  as  local  philanthropic  funds  have  donated 
sums  for  this  need.    Thus  during  four  months  has  been 

spent  the  total  sum  of 223,338.00 

(Report  is  attached  hereto.) 

To   cover   this   expenditure,    the   Special   Council   has   in 

November,  1915,  an  advance  sum  of 100,000.00 

And  thus,  in  order  to  cover  the  expenditures  up  to  March 

1st  it  is  necessary  to  receive  the  sum  of 124,338.00 

As  to  the  question  of  housing  and  heating  for  the  month 
of  March,  having  in  view  that  with  the  coming  of 
warmer  weather  the  necessity  for  separate  lodgings  for 
refugees  will  be  greater  and  counting  this  need  as  an 
average  of  1  R.  25  k.  a  month  per  individual,  the 
Committee  asks  for  the  Provinces  of  both  front  lines 
the  sum  of 140,000.00 

And  as  to  other  localities,  having  in  view  that  a  part  of 
this  need  is  covered  through  fimds  of  local  organizations, 

the  Committee  is  asking  for  an  advance  sum  of 100,000 .  00 

with  the  understanding  that  should  this  item  of  ex- 
penditure (housing  and  heating)  be  covered  by  rural 
and  city  organizations,  these  sums  will  be  put  on  account 
of  the  respective  Committees'  future  assignments. 


VI. 

MEDICO-SANITARY    RELIEF. 

The  Committee  has  already  stated  to  the  Special  Conference,  in  its  report 
of  November,  that  medico-sanitary  relief  to  refugees  is  given  by  the  Society 
of  Safeguarding  the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Population,  which  was  enabled  to  do 
this  work  through  funds  collected  among  the  population  in  Petrograd  and  partly 
in  the  provinces,  expending  for  medical  expeditions  and  other  medico-sanitary 
measures  considerable  sums  of  money.  Beginning  from  November,  owing  to 
the  impossibility  of  organizing  separate  collections  for  various  needs  of  refugees, 
and,  on  the  other  harfd,  owing  to  the  exhaustion  of  philanthropic  funds,  the 
above  named  Society  has  received  special  assignments  from  the  Committee 
for  the  Relief  of  Victims  of  the  War  and  has  been  partly  assisted  by  the  Committee 
of  Her  Highness,  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna.     Thus,  up  to  the  present 


52  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

time,  the  Special  Conference  has.  not  assigned  any  sums  for  medico-sanitary 
purposes.  These  needs  have,  however,  reached  a  considerable  development, 
and  it  is  imperative,  considering  that  the  greater  part  of  refugees  is  centered 
in  provinces  of  the  front  lines  where  the  rural  organizations  do  not  give  any 
considerable  medico- sanitary  relief,  and  also  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  refugees 
in  city  communities,  often  small  ones,  where  not  only  no  efficient  medical  help 
but  the  most  elementary  medical  assistance  cannot  be  secured,  this  must  be 
effected  through  special  medical  expeditions  of  physicians  and  through  specially 
organized  hospitals. 

The  conditions  of  life  of  refugees  in  the  western  provinces  is  in  reality  most 
terrible.  As  already  explained  above,  only  a  small  number  of  refugees  can  be 
settled  in  separate  lodgings,  the  majority  is  obliged  to  live  in  barracks,  owing 
to  the  scarcity  of  available  separate  lodgings  and,  therefore,  sanitar\'  inspection 
is  imperative  and  requires  considerable  effort.  The  realization  of  such  inspection 
and  the  medical  assistance  to  refugees,  if  made  possible,  will  not  permit  the  devel- 
opment of  epidemics  in  localities  near  the  front  line,  where  the  appearance  of 
an  epidemic  would  prove  a  danger  not  only  to  the  local  population,  but  also  to 
the  army. 

The  Central  Committee  and  the  Society  for  the  Safeguarding  of  the  Jewish 
Population  have  agreed  to  include  in  the  item  of  medico-sanitary  inspection 
the  relief  given  to  children  in  the  way  of  bettering  their  living  conditions  and 
providing  them  with  better  nourishment.  Owing  to  living  conditions  in  cities, 
chiefly  on  account  of  life  in  barracks,  where  the  moral  atmosphere  is  highly 
detrimental  to  children,  especially  of  tender  age,  liberal  assistance  to  Jewish 
children  and  the  taking  of  special  measures  concerning  them  is  a  most  important 
problem. 

Relief  to  children  is  given  through  funds  assigned  by  the  Society  for  Safe- 
guarding the  Health  of  the  Jewish  Population  and  the  Central  Jewish  Committee 
as  well  as  by  local  Committees  of  different  localities,  chiefly  to  children  between 
the  age  of  4  to  7,  by  organizing  homes  in  which  the  children  spend  the  day  under 
the  supervision  of  specially  appointed  guardians  and  where  they  also  receive 
their  meals.  The  children's  occupations  are  supervised  either  by  persons 
specially  engaged  for  this  purpose,  kindergartners,  or  by  girls  and  women  who 
give  their  time  without  remuneration. 

The  necessity  for  a  greater  number  of  such  homes  is  dictated  by  the  fact 
that  the  Jewish  refugees,  owing  to  the  peculiarity  of  the  Jewish  family  conception, 
do  not  care  to  let  their  children  go  to  charitable  institutions,  and  in  whatever 
bad  living  conditions  the  parents  may  be  in,  they  do  not  part  with  their  children, 
be  it  even  to  afford  them  a  better  life.  The  only  way,  then,  to  safeguard  the 
health  of  Jewish  children  and  to  safeguard  them  from  the  detrimental  influence 
of  the  street,  from  physical  and  moral  disease,  is  to  bring  these  children  into 
"homes"  as  described  above.  Therefore  the  need  of  supplying  the  children 
with  sufficient  clothing  and  shoes  is  very  urgent,  in  the  case  of  children  of 
refugees  living  in  villages  especially  so. 

The  safeguarding  of  the  health  of  children  also  includes  the  nourishment 
of  children  of  school  age  and  going  to  school.  The  necessity  of  better  nour- 
ishment of  school  children  is  called  forth  by  the  following  conditions:  Jewish 
children  have  to  study  a  greater  number  of  subjects,  especially  in  the  lower 
grades,  subjects  which  are  related  to  the  Jewish  religious  education  and  the 
Hebrew  language,  and,  therefore,  are  spending  a  greater  number  of  hours  in 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  53 

schools  than  children  of  other  denominations,  and  in  many  localities  schools 
are  a  good  way  from  the  points  where  the  refugees  are  sheltered  in  Missions 
or  lodgings,  in  the  neighborhood  of  which  it  is  often  impossible  to  find  rooms 
for  the  school.  Consequently  the  children  staying  in  school  so  long  a  time  have 
often  not  the  chance  of  sharing  even  the  small  ration  of  food  their  parents  receive 
from  different  institutions.  Finally,  the  health  of  Jewish  children,  from  whom 
the  school  demands  a  great  effort,  which  can  also  be  explained  by  the  fact  that 
many  subjects  are  taught  in  Russian,  which  the  children  from  the  western  prov- 
inces, especially  those  from  Poland,  know  very  little  or  not  at  all,  demands, 
according  to  the  general  opinion  of  physicians  who  have  inspected  the  sanitary 
conditions  of  Jewish  refugees,  a  better  nourishment  and  the  supply  of  at  least 
a  small  quantity  of  hot  food.  In  consequence  of  this  need,  many  localities  have 
opened  kitchens,  even  in  the  schools,  where  a  hot  lunch  consisting  of  hot  milk, 
usually  a  glass  or  a  half  glass  per  child,  white  bread  and  some  hot  cereal  or 
soup  with  meat,  etc.,  can  be  had,  such  school  lunch  could  be  supplied  for  at  an 
average  of  10  k.  per  child. 

Up  to  March  1st  the  institutions  giving  medico- sanitary  relief  to  refugees 
consisted  of:  (a)  Ambulance  hospitals,  51;  (b)  6  specially  organized  hospitals 
for  infectious  diseases;  (c)  diet  kitchens  for  the  better  nourishment  of  the  weak 
and  old,  3;  (d)  67  children's  "homes"  and  (e)  kitchens  for  the  nourishment  of 
school  children,  25.     Report  is  attached  hereto. 

However,  the  lack  of  means  has  not,  up  to  the  present  time,  permitted  the 
development  of  medico-sanitary  measures  to  a  degree  that  would  meet  the  real 
need.  From  the  attached  table  of  provinces  which  have  the  above-named 
institutions  will  be  seen  that  many  localities  have  no  medical  relief  at  all,  whereas 
other  localities,  needing  many  more  of  such  institutions,  are  not  sufficiently 
supplied  with  same.  Thus,  for  instance,  in  the  Province  of  Vilna,  where  there 
are  3,166  refugees,  are  only  two  ambulances,  but  no  hospitals  at  all,  nor 
are  there  "homes"  for  children  or  hot  lunches  for  school  children;  in  the  Province 
of  Vitebsk,  having  15,990  refugees,  there  are  only  4  ambulances  and  one  hospital 
and  4  "homes";  in  the  Province  of  Minsk,  with  23,529  refugees,  there  are  only 
1  ambulance,  1  hospital  and  3  "homes";  in  the  Province  of  Moghileff,  with 
8,849  refugees,  there  is  only  1  ambualnce  and  1  hot  lunch  kitchen  for  school 
children;  in  the  Province  of  Volhynia,  which  has  8,259  refugees,  there  are  no 
permanent  institutions  as  yet,  etc. 

Generally  the  children's  "homes"  care  for  children  from  4  to  7  years  old — 
for  a  total  of  4,776;  registered  as  needing  a  place  in  a  home  are  10,301  children, 
for  whom  it  is  still  necessary  to  establish  such  "homes."  6,485  children  receive 
hot  luncheons  in  school,  and  19,337  more  remain  without  this  most  necessary 
nourishment. 

In  this  direction  the  children  of  the  Province  of  Ekaterinoslav  are  better 
cared  for,  1,180;  Province  of  Taurida,  1,500;  Province  of  Nizhni-Novgorod,  800; 
and  Province  of  Tambov,  500.  In  these  localities  more  than  half  of  the  children 
going  to  school  receive  hot  luncheons,  whereas  in  many  provinces  having  a  great 
number  of  children,  as,  for  instance,  in  the  Province  of  Kieff,  with  4,799  children; 
Volhynia,  with  900;  Moghilev,  with  925;  Poltava,  with  1,083;  Kharkoff,  with 
871:  Kherson,  with  836,  etc.,  do  not  receive  this  necessary  nourishment. 

The  report  covering  various  provinces  and  showing  the  number  of  children 
receiving  the  above  relief  as  well  as  showing  the  number  of  children  who  do  not 
receive  such  relief  is  attached  hereto. 


54  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

As  to  the  specifically  medico- sanitary  function,  the  work  of  the  Jewish 
Committee  consists  of  the  following: 

The  medical  expeditions  were  the  first  to  be  organized  and  put  to  work. 
In  order  to  fully  understand  the  importance  of  the  duty  they  are  fulfilling  it  is 
necessary  to  explain  the  means  and  the  conditions  of  their  activity  in  certain 
locaHties.  Such  expeditions  work,  for  instance,  in  the  District  of  Polotsk- 
Glubokoye,  where  are  centred  3,200  refugees.  This  district  is  so  near  to  the  front 
that  in  certain  localities,  as,  for  instance,  in  the  hamlet  Glubokoye,  the  roar  of  the 
cannon  is  heard.  The  district  of  activity  of  this  expedition  extends  from 
Polotsk  and  Glubokoye  to  a  number  of  other  localities :  Postava,  Opsa,  Vileika  and 
others.  The  work  there  began  already  in  August,  1915.  In  the  hamlet  Glubokoye 
there  is  a  hospital  maintained  by  the  Society  for  the  Safeguarding  of  the  Health 
of  the  Jewish  Population. 

This  expedition  has  the  character  of  a  flying  ambulance,  ministering  medical 
relief  to  the  population  of  refugees  and  often  assuming  the  responsibility  of 
their  nourishment.  This  expedition  consists  of  the  executive,  two  physicians, 
two  trained  nurses  and  two  dietitians.  One  part  of  the  medical  staff  travels 
through  the  district,  while  the  other  part  is  stationed  in  the  locality  and  ministers 
to  the  local  population.  In  Polotsk  the  expedition  has  at  its  disposal  a  very 
well  supplied  ambulance.  This  expedition  has  double  work  to  do,  due  to  the 
eventual  and  partly  already  effected  evacuation  of  refugees  from  localities  nearest 
to  the  theatre  of  military  operations.  Such  an  expedition  also  exists  in  Vitebsk, 
consisting  of  a  trained  nurse,  a  Red  Cross  nurse  and  of  a  disinfector.  An  expe- 
dition of  this  kind  also  exists  in  Gomel,  ministering  to  a  population  of  5,000 
refugees  living  in  extremely  hard  conditions  and  with  a  small  medical  staff, 
who  are  unable  to  supply  the  necessary  medical  help  to  refugees  and  at 
the  same  time  inspect  their  sanitary  conditions,  the  expedition  consisting  of 
only  one  physician  and  two  trained  nurses  and  one  disinfector.  The  relief 
consists  of  settling  the  sick  in  private  lodgings  and  their  placing  into  free 
ambulances. 

The  expedition  of  the  city  of  Minsk  (more  than  12,000  refugees).  The  bad 
living  conditions  of  refugees  in  Minsk  have  been  the  cause  of  a  great  number 
of  diseases!  The  terrible  situation  of  the  refugees  and  the  actual  danger  of  their 
dying  out  has  called  to  them  the  attention  of  the  Special  Executive  of  the 
Union  of  Cities,  who  has  asstmied  the  duty  of  giving  refugees  medico-sanitary 
relief,  but  who  has  deemed  it  necessary  to  have  a  special  Jewish  medico- 
sanitary  expedition.  Such  an  expedition  consists  of  physician-executive,  two 
other  physicians,  11  trained  nurses,  3  Red  Cross  nurses,  1  disinfector  and  3 
dietitians.  In  Minsk  the  Jewish  Committee  has  opened  a  special  hospital  for 
refugees,  having  40  beds,  having  begun  its  activity  on  January  8  in  rooms  donated 
by  the  local  Jewish  hospital.  In  the  ambulance  more  than  100  patients  are 
received  daily.  In  addition  to  this,  a  dentist's  office  has  been  arranged,  as  well 
as  a  vaccination  office.  The  ambulance  has  a  pharmacy,  serving  the  ambulance 
patients  as  well  as  the  patients  whom  the  physicians  visit  in  the  Missions  and 
in  separate  lodgings,  this  pharmacy  giving  out  as  many  as  130  prescriptions 
a  day.  The  city  is  divided  into  five  parts,  or  districts,  centering  around  the 
larger  barracks,  each  barrack  being  under  the  supervision  of  a  trained  nurse. 
The  number  of  cases  where  medical  relief  has  been  given  totals  5,000.  A 
special  disinfecting  expedition,  under  the  supervision  of  a  disinfector,  disinfects 
the  premises  from  an  infectious  disease,  and  the  belongings  of  the  patient  are 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  55 

sent  to  the  disinfecting  chamber,  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Committee  by 
the  miKtary-sanitary  supervision.  Sanitation  is  also  the  duty  of  the  disinfecting 
expedition,  and  which  is  carried  out  by  a  special  expedition.  For  the  disposal 
of  garbage,  a  horse  and  carts  have  been  acquired.  The  home  for  the  aged  is 
also  in  the  care  of  this  expedition.  In  addition  to  this,  the  expedition  has  sent 
out  separate  flying  expeditions  in  order  to  inspect  the  suburban  hamlets  of 
Minsk,  one  physician  and  one  trained  nurse  traveling  through  the  provinces 
organizing  ambulances,  also  organizing  local  medical  forces,  or,  if  such  do  not 
exist,  sending  out  new  expeditions  from  Petiograd. 

For  the  organization  of  medico-sanitary  relief  a  woman  physician  has 'been 
sent  to  the  Province  of  Poltava,  at  whose  disposal  is  a  trained  nurse  ministering 
to  refugees.  In  the  ambulance  opened  in  the  city  of  Poltava,  with  the  co-opera- 
tion of  local  medical  men,  about  800  patients  are  treated  monthly.  This  ambu- 
lance also  dispenses  milk  to  the  weak. 

Ambulances  have  been  opened  in  Krementshug,  the  duty  of  the  physician 
and  the  trained  nurse  being  also  the  inspection  of  the  food  prepared  for  refugees 
and  the  supply  of  pure  drinking  wa*^er. 

Medical  expedtions  are  at  work  in  the  Province  of  Taurida,  in  the  towns 
of  Berdiansk,  where  the  expedition  has  organized  a  laundry  for  refugees,  and 
where  the  weak  and  ill  receive  a  better  diet;  in  Genitshesk,  1,104  refugees;  in 
Great  Tolmak,  in  charge  of  trained  nurses;  in  Orekhov,  etc.  In  Melitopol,  in 
view  of  a  strong  epidemic  of  typhoid  fever,  a  hospital  has  been  opened,  containing 
12  to  15  beds,  and  there  are  also  taken  effective  sanitary  measures;  a  physician 
in  charge  is  also  in  Simferopol. 

In  the  Province  of  Ekaterinoslav  a  special  expedition  is  in  the  city  of 
Ekaterinoslav,  working  in  the  name  of  the  students'  society  of  KharkoflF,  and 
drawing  its  funds  from  the  Society  for  the  Safeguarding  of  the  Health  of  the 
Jewish  Population.  This  expedition  has  organized  an  isolation  house  in  order 
to  check  the  developments  of  epidemic  disease.  There  is  also  a  free  ambulance 
for  refugees. 

In  Kharkoff  an  expedition  in  the  students'  society  of  Petrograd  is  at  work. 

In  the  eastern  provinces  the  sending  of  special  expeditions  is  not  necessary 
so  much  as  in  the  above-named  provinces,  as  the  activities  of  local,  rural  and 
city  organization  is  more  developed  along  these  lines.  However,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  send  special  expeditions  to  certain  localities.  Such  an  expedition 
is  at  work  in  Samara,  2,400  refugees,  for  the  relief  to  refugees  living  in  Missions. 
The  expedition  consists  of  two  trained  nurses,  a  person  supervising  and  inspecting 
the  sanitary  conditions  of  the  lodgings  of  refugees,  while  local  physicians  give 
medical  relief  if  needed. 

In  the  Province  of  Voronezh  an  expedition  is  at  work  with  a  physician  at 
its  head.  In  the  district  towns  ambulances  are  opened  in  which  patients  are 
treated  by  a  staflE  of  trained  nurses.  In  the  city  of  Voronezh  a  hospital  with 
30  beds  is  in  the  care  of  a  local  physician,  who  gives  his  services  free  of  charge. 

In  the  Province  of  Tambov  is  an  expedition  with  a  physician  at  its  head. 
In  the  district  towns  of  Lebediani,  Morshansk,  Borisoglebsk  are  ambulances 
in  the  care  of  assistant  surgeons.  In  Kozloff,  1,200  refugees,  an  assistant  surgeon 
and  a  Sister  of  Mercy,  are  at  work,  and  there  is  also,  in  view  of  an  increase  of 
disease,  a  special  phj^sician.  The  necessity  of  increasing  medical  relief  is  called 
forth,  especially  in  Borisoglebsk  and  Kozloff,  where  an  epidemic  of  typhoid 
fever  exists. 


56  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

In  Nizhni- Novgorod  an  ambulance  is  opened  in  which  an  assistant  surgeon 
receives  patients,  or  assistant  surgeons  from  rural  districts,  who  receive  special 
remuneration.  Here  was  also  an  ambulance  with  15  beds  opened  in  view  of 
the  spreading  of  abdominal  typhoid  fever,  scarlet  fever  and  measles. 

To  Tsaritsin,  in  the  Province  of  Saratoff,  was  sent  a  special  expedition, 
consisting  of  a  physician,  of  an  assistant  surgeon  and  of  a  Sister  of  Mercy  to 
fight  off  cholera.  At  the  present  time,  when  cholera  is  not  feared  any  more, 
the  physicians  and  their  assistants  give  relief  to  refugees  in  ambulances  and  at 
their  lodgings. 

At  the  present  time  a  total  of  30  physicians  are  engaged  in  the  work  of 
treating  refugees,  40  assistant  surgeons,  2  sanitation  officers,  9  Sisters  of  Mercy, 
8  dietitians,  47  kindergartners,  taking  care  of  children's  "homes,"  and  44  kinder- 
garten assistants. 

The  remunerations  of  this  staff  amount  to :  physician,  from  250  R.  to  330  R. 
per  month;  second  physician,  200  R.;  assistant  surgeon,  120  R.;  Sister  of  Mercy, 
75  R.;  sanitation  officer,  85  R.  per  month.  From  the  report  attached  hereto 
will  be  noted  that  the  item  of  medico-sanitary  relief,  in  all  its  phases,  for  Novem- 
ber, December,  January  and  February  amounts  to  the  following  sums: 

For  actual  medico-sanitary  relief R.   101,520. 13 

For  children's  "homes" 48,033 .  90 

Nourishment  to  school  children 10,878.50 

Organization  expenses 5,767.70 


R.   166,200.23 


While  the  item  "organization  expenses"  also  includes  the  traveling  expenses, 
etc.,  of  executives  of  the  Society  for  the  Safeguarding  of  the  Health  of  the  Jewish 
Population  who  had  to  travel  in  order  to  organize  local  relief  in  communities 
where  special  expeditions  would  not  be  necessary  and  also  for  the  inspection  of 
the  sanitary  conditions  of  refugees. 

To  cover  this  expenditure,  the  Committee  of  Her  Imperial  Highness,  the 
Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna,  donated  the  sum  of  85,000  R.,  the  Jewish 
Committee  has  already  given  80,000,  and  1,200  R.  30  k.  have  still  to  be  re- 
ceived; the  total  sum  spent  by  the  Committee  amoimts  to  R.  81,200  23  k. 

From  these  expenditures  the  following  sums  have  been  used  for  the  main- 
tenance of  children's  "homes": 

In  November R.  4,572 .  24 

In  December 9,570.29 

In  January 8,134.98 

In  February 25,756.29 


Total R.  48,033.90 

the  expenditure  for  the  maintenance  of  children's  homes  borne  by  the  local 
Committees  before  the  month  of  February  from  local  philanthropic  funds  is 
not  included  herein. 

The  cost  of  maintenance  in  a  home  amounts  to  the  average  of  10  R.  a 
month  per  child,  as  will  be  noted  from  the  following  report  covering  the  monthly 
expense  for  a  home  of  50  children: 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  57 

Rent  of  rooms R.  50.00 

Nourishment,  counting  25  days  in  a  month  (with 

the  exception  of  Saturday)  20  k.  per  day . .  .  250 .  00 

vSchool  suppHes 10 .  00 

Salary  to  Kindergartner 100.00 

Salary  to  assistant 75 .  00 

Salary  to  servant 15 .  00 

Total R.  500.00 

that  is  10  R.  per  child. 

The  furnishing  and  supplying  of  such  a  home  amounts  to  the  average  sum 
of  447  R.  The  report  covering  such  furnishing  is  attached  hereto  and  shows 
that  the  average  cost  of  it  amounts  to  8.94  R.  per  child. 

For  nourishment  to  school  children  has  been  spent: 

In  November R.  240.00 

In  December 1,332 .  50 

In  January 7,120.00 

In  February 2,186.00 

Total R.  10,878.50 

The  Committee  of  Moscow  has  received  5,000  R.  for  the  relief  in  the  Provinces 
of  Vladimir,  Voronezh,  Kursk,  Minsk,  Riazan,  Tambov  and  Tula. 

The  cost  of  food  per  child  amounts  to  the  average  of  2  R.  50  k.  as  per  data 
shown  above,  that  is  10  k.  a  day,  coimting  25  days  a  month. 

The  medico- sanitary  expeditions,  their  organization  and  maintenance, 
medicine,  prescriptions,  etc.,  amount  to — 

In  November R.  17,159.36 

In  December 16,635 .  80 

In  January 22,838.69 

In  February 48,886.28 

Total R.  101,520. 13 

At  the  present  time  it  is  expected  to  organize  additional  medico- sanitary 
relief,  in  points  as  yet  not  covered  by  this  work  and  having  79,235  refugees. 

The  sums  necessary  to  cover  this  need  in  March  are  as  follows: 

Considering  that  the  month  of  March  will  need  the  same  expenditures  as  in 
February,  42,000  R.,  that  is  the  average  of  54  k.  per  individual,  42,000.00: 
78,083  R.,  it  will  be  necessary  to  expend  42,886  R.  for  the  relief  of  the  same 
number  of  refugees.  For  the  organization  of  medico-sanitary  relief  in  other 
points  where  this  rehef  has  not  as  yet  been  given,  having  approximately  79,000 
refugees,  counting  the  same  average  of  54  k.  per  individual,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  receive  42,000  R.  In  addition  to  this,  in  view  of  the  coming  hot  season,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  increase  medico-sanitary  relief  in  localities  near  the  front 
line,  this  increase  amounting  to  1  R.  30  k.  per  individual,  as  can  be  noted  from 
the  following  data:  Hospital  rehef,  50  k.,  ambulance  treatment  and  treatment 
in  the  lodgings  of  refugees  and  for  nourishment  of  weak  children,  53  k.,  sanitary 
measures,  27  k.,  bath,  11  k.,  and  laundry,  16  k.,  in  consequence  of  which,  in 
addition  to  the  expense  of  42,000  R.  shown  above,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  an 
additional  expenditure  of  29,640  R. 

Having  in  view  that  the  carrying  out  of  sanitary  measures  cannot  be  realized 
earlier  than  in  the  course  of  two  months,  the  month  of  March  will  need,  to  cover 


58  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

the  last  two  items,  21,000  R.  and  14,800  R.,  a  total  of  36,800  R.,  the  grand  total 
for  March  will  amount  to  42,886  R.-— 36,800  R.,  that  is  79,686  R.,  making  a 
round  sum  of  79,000  R. 

In  addition  to  this  it  is  expected  to  spend  sums  for  the 
organization  of  10  ambulances,  counting  1,000  R.  on  each,  as 
per  estimate  attached  hereto R.  10,000.00 

And  for  the  organization  of  4  hospitals  of  160  beds  and 
additional  60  beds  for  the  hospital  of  Minsk,  counting  100  R. 
per  bed 22,000.00 

'     Total '. R.  32,000.00 

This  expenditure  is  intended  to  be  carried  out  in  the  course  of  the  coming  two 
months,  and,  therefore,  the  immediate  outlay  for  the  month  of  March  will  amount 
to  16,000  R. 

The  Committee,  therefore,  asks  for  an  assignment  for  actual  medico- sanitary 
relief  work  for  the  month  of  March  of  a  sum  of  95,000  R.  (79,000  R.— 16,000  R.). 

For  the  maintenance  of  "homes"  during  the  month  of 
March  and  already  in  activity,  with  a  number  of  4,876  children 
at  a  cost  of  10  R.  per  child  (as  per  report) R.  48,760.00 


And  with  the  further  intention  of  organizing  "homes"  for 
an  additional  number  of  5,000  children,  for  which  plan  an 
immediate  outlay  of  money  to  the  amount  of  8  R.  94  k.  (as 
per  report)  per  child,  a  total  of  44,700  R.  will  be  required,  and 
while  it  is  expected  to  carry  out  the  organization  of  such  homes 
during  the  month  of  March  only  to  the  fourth  part  of  the  entire 
projected  plan,  the  outlay  of  money  invested  in  same  will 
amount  to R.  11,000.00 

And  for  the  maintenance  of  the  fourth  part  of  the  number 
of  5,000  children,  will  be  required  the  sum  of '  12,500.00 

Total R.  23,500.00 

And  thus,  concerning  this  item,  the  Committee  asks  for  the 
month  of  March  the  total  sum  of R.  72,000.00 

And  for  the  lunch  kitchen  for  school  children  with  the  care 
of  6,485  children  per  2  R.  50  k.  each,  will  be  needed  the  sum 
of R.  16,212.50 

And  expecting  to  increase  the  number  of  such  kitchens  in 
order  to  care  for  an  additional  1,200  children  at  the  same 
cost 3,000.00 

Total R.  19,212.50 

Or,  to  round  out  the  sum 19,000.00 

Thus,  the  total  the  Committee  is  asking  for  the  carrying 
out  of  medico-sanitary  work,  for  the  covering  of  expenses  incurred 
during  the  months  of  January  and  February R.  81,200.33 

And  for  the  month  of  March  (95,000  R.— 72,000  R.— 
19,000  R.)  is  186,000  R.,  and,  subtracting  from  this  the  sum  of 
25,000  R.  assigned  to  the  Committee  by  the  Committee  of  Her 
Imperial  Highness  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna, 
the  request  will  amount  to  the  sum  of 161,000.00 

Total R.  242,200.33 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  59 

vn. 

EDUCATIONAL   RELIEF. 

This  phase  of  relief  work,  as  explained  above,  is  realized 
with  the  co-operation  of  the  Society  for  the  Spread  of  Education 
among  the  Jews  of  Russia.  Up  to  this  time,  the  work  has  been 
carried  on  in  88  localities — 115  schools,  in  which  18,635  children 
are  being  instructed.  From  September,  1915,  up  to  the  present 
time,  the  furnishing  of  these  schools,  supplies  and  books  ha\'e 
cost R.  18,528.83 

The  maintenance  of  these  schools,  excluding  the  sums 
received  from  local  Committees  of  relief,  has  amounted  to 116,609.04 

And  in  order  to  quickly  organize  this  chain  of  schools  a 
number  of  instructors  and  district  inspectors  were  needed  whose 
remuneration  amounted  to 17,236.05 

And  the  transportation  of  these  teachers  to  their  places... .  336.00 

Total R.  152,709.92 

To  cover  this  expenditure,  the  sum  of  30,000  R.  was  assigned  by  the  Com- 
mittee of  Her  Imperial  Hignesss  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna,  while 
a  sum  of  77,757  R.  remains  still  uncovered,  or,  to  round  out  the  sum,  77,000  R. 

The  Committee,  therefore,  is  asking  for  the  sum  of  77,000  R.,  17,042  R.,  a 
total  of  $94,042.94,  or  the  round  sum  of  R.  94,000. 


vm. 

RELIEF  BY   SECURING   WORK. 

As  stated  in  the  November  report,  this  phase  of  relief  work  is  done  through 
local  Committees  of  relief,  but  its  organization  and  realization  is  chiefly  directed 
by  the  Society  for  Manual  and  Agricultural  Labor  Among  Jews,  which  has 
organized  a  special  branch  for  the  seciuing  of  work  for  refugees  and  which  is 
maintained  by  funds  assigned  by  the  Jewish  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  the 
Victims  of  the  War.  This  relief  work  consists  of  the  following:  (a)  In  organ- 
izing and  maintaining  an  employment  agency  serving  as  middleman  between 
the  employer  and  the  refugee  who  is  capable  to  work.  In  localities  with  a  small 
number  of  refugees  there  is  no  necessity  of  organizing  such  employment  agency, 
but  in  localities  where  it  is  possible  to  expect  a  number  of  vacancies  for  working 
people,  a  so-called  "reference  bureau"  is  organized. 

Until  the  month  of  March  47  employment  agencies  have 
been  organized  and  15  reference  bureaus  (report  is  attached 
hereto.)  •  The  cost  of  their  maintenance,  as  will  be  seen  from 
table  attached  hereto  amounted  in  January  and  February  to : 

Employment  Bureau R.  23,940.00 

Reference  Bureaus 910 .  00 

Total R.  24,340.00 

2.  The  organizing  of  manufacturing  shops  (for  the  making 
of  shoes,  linen,  knitted  goods,  cloths,  etc.)  14  shops.  This 
phase  of  relief  work  necessitates  an  immediate  outlay  of  money. 
The  monthly  expenditure,  however,  is  small,  as  it  is  covered  by 
the  sale  of  the  products  manufactured.  For  the  organization  of 
these  shops  in  January  .and  February,  according  to  data  already 

on  hand  and  covering  the  14  shops,  a  single  sum  of R.  9,865.75 

was  expended,  while  their  maintenance  amounted  to 2,230. 16 

Total R.  12.095.91 


60  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

3.  The  organizing  of  manual  training  classes  for  boys  and  adults  able 
to  work,  but  who  in  their  permanent  homes  did  not  do  any  physical  labor,  living 
from  the  proceeds  of  small  business,  peddling,  etc.,  or  whose  profession  did  not 
require  physical  labor.  In  order  to  adapt  this  element  of  refugees  to  productive 
labor,  it  is  necessary  to  give  them  at  least  a  short  time  for  the  study  of  kinds  of 
labor,  which  would  enable  them  to  become  useful  workers,  qualified  to  answer 
the  call  for  a  considerable  number  of  hands  should  a  time  come  when  such  will 
be  needed. 

There  are  two  shops  of  this  kind:  in  Ekaterinoslav,  one  for  seamstresses 
and  one  carpenter  shop;  in  Mariupol,  for  embroiderers;  in  Lugansk,  for  seam- 
stresses; in  Nizhni-Novgorod  are  practical  coiurses  for  the  working  on  metal, 
organized,  supplied  with  the  necessary  tools;  in  Ekaterinburg,  a  knitting  shop; 
in  Simferopol,  for  seamstresses  and  others. 

For  the  organization  of  8  shops  the  stun  of  26,204.20  R.  was  spent,  including 
the  cost  for  the  organizing  of  courses  for  work  on  metal,  which  was  22,071.45  R. 

Having  in  view  that  for  this  last-named  course  were  required  expensive 
tools  and  that,  after  they  have  served  their  purpose  of  training  of  refugees  they 
will  still  have  a  certain  considerable  value,  it  is  expected  that  a  great  part  of 
this  expenditure  will  bring  reimbursement;  therefore,  out  of  the  above-named 
sum  only  6,000  R.  must  be  referred  to  as  being  expended,  and  thus  immediate 
outlay  of  money  will  amount  to  10,122.75  R.  (26,204.20  R.— 16,071.45  R.). 

The  maintenance  of  these  shops  for  January  and  February,  the  account 
for  which  is  on  hand,  amounts  to  2,611  R.,  making  a  total  of  12,733.75  R. 

4.  Shelters  for  apprejitices.  There  is  a  considerable  percentage  of  yoimgsters 
between  12  and  17  years  of  age  who,  owing  to  their  age  cannot  be  sent  to  ele- 
mentary schools,  and  also  because  they  have  finished  these  schools.  In  order 
to  organize  these  yoimg  people  and  to  prevent  them  from  acquiring  the  habit 
of  loafing,  and  as  it  is  impossible  to  place  them  into  business  places,  it  is  necessary 
to  adapt  them  to  a  life  of  work.  The  best  means  to  attain  this  is  to  have  them 
learn  a  trade  in  a  manual  training  shop.  Specialists  have  agreed  that  the  insti- 
tution "apprenticeship"  has  outlived  its  day.  Experience  has  shown  that 
apprentices  spend  considerable  time  helping  in  the  household  of  employers, 
that  they  live  in  bad  sanitary  and  moral  conditions  and  usually  forget  what 
they  have  ever  learned  in  school.  Consequently,  the  number  of  schools  for  manual 
and  technical  training  has  increased.  However,  their  organization  and  main- 
tenance need  considerable  sums,  and,  besides,  cannot  be  realized  when  the  need 
of  training  the  yoimg  element  of  refugees- is  so  imperative.  A  few  years  before 
the  beginning  of  the  war  the  Society  for  Manual  and  Agricultural  Labor  Among 
Jews  began  the  reorganization  of  apprenticeship  by  founding  so-called  "shelters" 
for  apprentices.  This  institution,  tested  and  tried  out  in  normal  times,  proves 
to  be  of  the  greatest  usefulness  for  the  present. 

The  department  of  "relief  through  securing  work"  has,  therefore,  begun 
to  organize  such  "shelters"  in  different  localities.  At  the  present  time  there 
exist  shelters  in  10  different  localities,  as  folloVs:  in  Ekaterinoslav,  Kazan, 
Lugansk,  Samara,  Melitopol,  Odessa,  Elisavetgrad,  Kursk  and  Voronezh,  for  the 
placing  of  500  apprentices  into  different  shops.  Local  relief  organizations  point 
out  the  best  shops  where  apprentices  may  be  placed,  while  a  contract  is  drawn 
up  with  the  proprietor  of  the  shop  and  even  a  certain  sum  assigned  to  him  as 
payment  for  lost  or  spoiled  tools.  The  work  of  the  children  is  supervised  by  a 
specially  appointed  officer,  who  several  times  during  the  week  visits  the  shop 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee,  61 

where  the  apprentices  under  the  care  of  the  shelter  are  working;  in  addition  to 
this,  courses  have  been  organized  for  the  afternoon,  for  the  attendance  of  which 
the  young  people  are  freed  for  certain  hours,  as  per  agreement  with  the  employer. 
These  courses  not  only  review  the  studies  the  children  had  in  school  and  further 
develop  them,  but  they  also  teach  drawing  and  technical  drafting,  according 
to  the  trade  they  are  learning. 

From  the  attached  account  covering  a  shelter  of  50  apprentices  during 
one  year,  it  will  be  noted  that  the  organizing  of  a  shelter  needs  the  immediate 
outlay  of  200  R.  and  a  yearly  expenditure  of  5,000  R.,  that  is  100  R.  per  apprentice. 

For  the  months  of  January  and  February  the  cost  of  organizing  and,  main- 
taining 8  shelters  has  amounted  to  5,760  R. 

5.  The  supply  of  tools.  Data  on  hand  shows  that  for  January  and  February 
local  Committees  have  expended  21,305  R.  on  this  item. 

6.  Salary  to  the  instructor  and  to  executives  for  the  organization  of  the 
relief  through  securing  work  during  January  and  February  amounted  to 
13,899.10  R. 

Thus  this  phase  of  relief  work  has  needed  and  expended:  (a)  Employment 
agency  and  reference  bureaus,  24,840  R.;  (b)  for  manual  training  shops, 
12,095.91  R.;  for  apprentice  shops,  12,783.75  R.;  (c)  for  shelters,  5,760  R.; 
(d)  supply  of  tools,  21,305  R.;  (e)  salary  to  staff,  13,899.10  R.— a  total  of 
90,633.76  R.,  which  sum  has  been  entirely  covered  by  funds  of  the  Central 
Jewish  Committee. 

The  total  necessary  to  cover  the  expenditure  of  the  item 
"relief  through  securing  of  work"  amounts  to  the  following 
sums: 

(a)  It  is  intended  to  open  nine  additional  employment 
agencies  (see  report).  For  the  maintenance  of  these 
as  well  as  of  those  already  existing  (47  in  number),  it 

is  necessary  to  have  the  sum  of R.  14,776.00 

(b)  For  the  opening  of  30  additional  reference  bureaus 
and  their  maintenance  as  well  as  that  of  already  existing 

points 22,070.00 

(c)  It  is  intended  to  organize  six  new  manual  training  shops, 
namely  in  Bobruisk  (shoemaker's  shop),  in  Perm 
(tailoring  shop),  in  Samara  (a  hatter's  shop),  in  Great 
Tokmak  (a  knitting  shop),  in  Borisoglebks  (knitting 
shop),  in  Kharkoff  (knitting  shop).    For  the  opening  of 

these  shops  an  immediate  outlay  of 8,815.00 

(Budgets  covering  different  shops  are  attached.) 

For  the  maintenance  of  already  existing  shops  as  well  as 

for  that  of  shops  expected  to  be  organized 2,165 .00 

Total R.  10,980.00 

(d)  It  is  expected  to  organize  manual  training  shops,  in  the  nearest  future, 
in  Elisavetgrad  (seamstress,  carpenter,  embroidery,  corset),  in  Ekaterinoslav, 
3  shops  (tailors,  ladies'  clothing,  courses  for  cutting),  in  Alexandrovsk  (tinsmiths), 
in  Bakhmut  (tailoring  shop),  in  Mariupol  (tailors  and  tinsmiths),  in  Kazan 
(engraver's  shop),  in  Arzamass  (locksmiths),  in  Pensa  (carpenters',  shoemakers' 
and  engravers'  shops),  in  Perm  (carpenters'  and  knitting  shops),  in  Poltava 
(carpenters),  in  Krementshug  (tailors),  in  Romni  (seamstress  and  saddlers' 
shops),  in  Samara  (seamstress),  in  Great  Tokmak  (seamstress),  in  Melitopol 
(carpenters'  and  artistic  embroidery  shops),  in  Simferopol  (carpenters  and 
seamstress),  in  Tambov  (ladies'  clothing),  in  KozlofT  (locksmiths'  and  tinsmiths* 


62  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

shops),  in  Kharkoff  (carpenters  and  courses  for  cutting),  in  Sumach  (seamstress), 
in  Odessa  (locksmiths  and  ladies'  clothing).  The  immediate  outlay  for  the 
organization  of  these  shops,  as  well  as  for  the  enlarging  of  those  already  existing 
in  Mariupol,  Tsaritsin  and  vSimferopol,  it  is  necessary  to  have  the  sum  of  71,516  R. 
From  the  total  number  of  shops  it  is  expected  to  open  only  the  fourth  part 
during  the  month  of  March,  which  will  necessitate  the  sum  of  (71,516:4  R.) 
17,879  R.  For  the  maintenance  of  shops  already  in  operation  for  the  month  of 
March,  1,305  R.,  and  the  fourth  part  of  expenditure  for  the  maintenance  of 
new  shops  (13,960:4  R.),  3,400,  making  a  total  of  4,795  R.  Thus  the  expenditure 
concer;iing  this  item  for  the  month  of  March  will  amount  to  22,674  R. 

(e)  For  the  organizing  and  maintenance  of  shelters  for  apprentices  it  is 
expected  to  spend  3,000  R. 

(f)  For  supplying  workers  with  tools  for  the  month  of  March,  15,000  R.,  and 

(g)  Salary  to  instructors  and  executives  and  their  traveling  expenses  during 
March  will  amount  to  4,500  R. 

The  total  sum  for  this  phase  of  work  for  March  will  amount  to  14,575  R., 
2,070  R.,  10,980  R.,  22,674  R.,  8,000  R.,  15,000  R.,  4,500  R.— 77,799  R. 

Thus  the  Committee  is  asking  for  the  item  of  "relief  through  securing  labor" 
for  the  months  of  January,  February  and  March  an  assignment  of  90,633.76  R., 
a  total  of  168,432.76  R.,  or  the  round  sum  of  168,000  R. 


IX. 

ORGANIZATION   EXPENSES. 

The  expenditure  for  the  organization  and  maintenance  of  the  Committee's 
offices  are  as  follows: 

In  January R.  10,707.20 

In  February 11,521.58 

Total R.  22,228.78 

This  sum  includes  the  expense  of  organizing  and  maintaining  an  information 
and  statistic  bureau  (in  the  November  report  submitted  to  the  Special  Council 
the  work  of  organizing  and  the  problems  of  this  phase  of  work  have  been  stated 
in  detail).  The  Central  Russian  Bureau  of  Registration  attached  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Her  Imperial  Highness,  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Nikolayevna, 
has  agreed  with  the  Central  Jewish  Committee  to  submit  all  inquiries  concern- 
ing Jewish  refugees  to  the  Central  Information  Bureau  attached  to  the  Committee, 
who  in  turn  satisfies  these  inquiries  direct.  From  October  1st  to  March  1st 
the  Committee  of  Her  Imperial  Highness,  Tatiana  Nikolayevna,  has  referred 
7,600  of  inquiries  to  the  Committee,  1,749  people  being  found  through  the  work 
of  the  Committee.  The  total  number  of  inquiries  concerning  the  whereabouts 
of  refugees  amounts  to  60,000  since  the  opening  of  this  information  bureau; 
up  to  March  1st,  20,896  people  having  been  found.  The  total  number  of  regis- 
tration cards  amounts  to  about  130,000  received  from  registration  bulletins 
from  local  Committees  covering  235  points,  from  inquiries  coming  direct  from 
refugees  who  give  their  address.  At  the  present  time,  as  stated  above,  the 
material  concerning  registration  is  being  classified,  and  at  the  present  time  the 
bureau  has  accurate  data  of  former  and  present  addresses  of  refugees  as  well 


Russian  Jewish  Relief  Committee.  63 

as  data  concerning  sex,  age  and  profession  of  more  than  125,000  from  the  total 
number  of  185,000  refugees  taking  advantage  of  the  Committee's  leHef. 

The  expense  of  maintaining  a  great  number  of  local  offices  and  executives 
must  naturally  be  a  large  one.  It  is  necessary  to  keep  in  view  that  the  duty 
of  the  office  is  to  keep  the  lists  of  contributors  and  the  keeping  of  accounting 
books  registering  contributions.  In  addition  to  this,  the  salaries  of  executives, 
their  traveling  expenses  and  mail  expenses  must  be  counted,  the  number  of 
executives  being  36.  The  necessity  of  sending  these  executives  to  different 
localities  where  the  organizing  of  refugees  is  imperative  is  called  forth  by  the  fact 
that  the  refugees  are  centred  in  the  provinces  of  the  front  line  and  in  such  localities 
where  the  local  forces  of  relief  work  among  refugees,  scattered  in  small  points, 
are  not  sufficient.  If  one  keeps  in  view  that  the  best  social  forces,  the  local 
young  element,  are  called  to  arms,  it  will  be  easy  to  understand  the  necessity 
of  sending  out  people  from  the  centers,  people  who  are  experienced  and  reliable. 
These  executives,  being  the  representatives  of  the  Central  Jewish  Committee, 
supervise  the  correct  compiling  of  reports,  the  expenditure  of  fimds  and  supervise 
the  accounting. 

The  expense  for  salaries  to  executives  and  their  traveling  money  amounts  to: 

In  January R.  11,536.59 

In  February 12,143.70 

Total R.  23,680.70 

The  total  expenditure  for  the  maintenance  of  offices  for  the 
Committee  and  salaries  and  traveling  money  paid  to  executives 
during  two  months  amounts  to R.  45,909.07 

This  expenditure  is  not  expected  to  decrease  for  March  and 
thus  the  expense  is  foreseen  to  be  22,954.53  R.,  that  is,  the 
necessary  sum  to  cover  the  expense  of  this  item  wiU  be 68,863 .60 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  this  expense  is  of  necessity  large, 
the  Committee  believes  it  would  be  right  to  divide  it  into  two 
parts,  referring  one  part  to  the  funds  of  the  Committee,  ftmds 
consisting  of  philanthropic  contributions,  while  asking  the 
vSpecial  Council  for  a  loan  to  cover  the  second  part,  that  is 38,631 .80 


IMMEDIATE   OUTLAY   OF   SUMS   FOR   THE   MAKING   OF 
UNLEAVENED   BREAD   FOR   EASTER. 

Aside  from  the  sums  named  above  for  which  the  Committee  is  asking  the 
Special  Council,  the  Committee  also  takes  the  liberty  of  submitting  to  the  Special 
Council  the  consideration  of  the  following  need,  which  has  to  be  referred  to  as 
the  satisfying  the  religious  want  of  Jewish  refugees,  for  which  up  to  the  present 
time  no  assignments  have  been  asked.  As  well  known,  one  of  the  fimdamental 
laws  of  the  Jewish  faith  is  the  prohibition  of  bread  during  the  Passover  Week, 
which  is  substituted  by  unleavened  bread  made  from. flour  of  a  special  grist. 
Having  in  view  that  the  Jewish  Easter  comes  in  the  beginning  of  April,  the 
Committee  deemed  it  its  duty  to  take  the  care  of  preparing  unleavened  bread 
for  refugees  into  its  hands.  This  phase  of  relief  work  has  and  will  still  require 
considerable  expenditures,  including  the  cost  of  making  and  delivering  unleavened 
bread  for  Jewish  soldiers  at  the  front  as  well  as  for  Jewish  refugees  in  care  of 


64  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

local  Jewish  Committees.  Naturally  the  expense  for  the  making  of  unleavened 
bread  for  Jewish  soldiers  will  be  covered  by  philanthropic  sums  in  the  possession 
of  the  Committee.  As  to  the  making  of  unleavened  bread  for  the  population 
of  refugees,  the  Committee  is  asking  for  the  necessary  funds,  which  coiild  be 
regarded  as  an  addition  to  the  food  ration  received  by  refugees. 

According  to  an  estimate,  it  is  necessary  to  have  10  lbs.  of  unleavened 
bread  per  refugee.  It  is  necessary  to  have  in  view  that  from  this  unleavened 
bread  cereal  is  made,  as  the  use  of  other  cereals  and  flour  is  not  permitted.  Count- 
ing the  average  cost  of  unleavened  bread  as  6  to  8  R.  per  pood,  a  weight  of  40 
Russian  lbs.,  the  cost  of  this  will  be  from  1  R.  30  k.  to  2  R.  per  refugee, 
according  to  the  locaHty  in  which  the  refugees  are  centred.  According  to 
this  estimate,  the  supplying  of  150,000  refugees  with  unleavened  bread  calls 
forth  the  expense  of  1  R.  75  k.  per  individual,  a  total  of  262,500  R.,  the  assign- 
ment of  which  sum  the  Committee  is  asking  the  Special  Council. 
******* 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  loan  of  200,000  R.  to  professional  people  assigned 
in  February  has  only  been  received  in  March,  the  account  covering  this  item 
will  be  submitted  in  time,  ^nd  the  Committee  does  not,  therefore,  ask  for  a 
further  assignment  for  this  same  item. 


II.     POLAND. 

(Territory  Occupied  by  German  Troops.) 

The  work  of  the  Judisches  Hilfskomit^  fur  Polen,  in  whose  care 
most  of  the  American  money  has  been  placed,  has  been  largely  one 
of  investigation  and  coordination.  This  committee  has  endeavored 
to  encourage  the  various  afflicted  commimities  to  support  themselves 
as  far  as  possible,  and  it  has  regarded  it  as  its  chief  function  to  make 
appropriations  to  the  relief  funds  already  established  in  the  various 
communities.  In  this  way,  the  Judisches  Hilfskomit^  fur  Polen 
has  been  able  to  husband  the  fimds  sent  from  America,  so  that  it 
has  been  in  a  position  for  the  past  few  months  to  give  considerable 
help  in  such  places  where  fimds  originally  raised  from  other 
sources  had  been  exhausted.  The  committee  reports  to  us  under 
date  of  February  1,  1916,  that  at  the  present  time  there  are  about 
1,360,000  Jews  in  Poland,  and  that  about  one-third,  or  455,000 
Jews  are  dependent  upon  the  support  of  the  relief  funds.  This 
number  the  committee  reports  as  growing  from  month  to  month, 
inasmuch  as  there  are  but  few  opportunities  for  employment. 
Small  traders  and  employees,  as  well  as  artisans,  are  eating  up 
their  savings. 

In  Lithuania  there  are  at  the  present  time  about  400,000  Jews, 
of  whom  more  than  one-half — at  least  250,000 — ^are  dependent  upon 
the  rehef  funds  for  support.  The  misery  of  the  Jews  of  Lithuania 
is  even  greater  than  that  of  the  Jews  in  Poland,  inasmuch  as  Lith- 
uania in  general  is  industrially  in  a  worse  position. 

In  Courland  there  are  but  10,000  Jews  left.  These  Jews  can 
get  along  without  support  from  the  relief  fimds  for  the  present. 

On  February  1,  1916,  there  were  about  700,000  Jews  in  Poland 
and  Lithuania  absolutely  dependent  upon  the  relief  funds.  The 
number  of  such  persons  is  growing  from  day  to  day. 

The  Jewish  relief  committee  for  Poland  is  of  the  opinion  that 
in  addition  to  other  relief  funds  secured  from  other  sources,  the 
American  relief  fund  will  have  to  appropriate  at  least  400,000  marks 
a  month  for  the  year  1916.  The  appropriations  made  from  the 
American  fund  up  to  March  9,  1916,  were  as  follows: 

65 


66  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

APPROPRIATIONS  FOR  VARIOUS  TOWNS. 
(Up  to  December  31,  1915.) 

Kalisch Mk. 26,433.30 

Lodz  and  vicinity 61,666 .80 

Czenstochov,  Dombrova,  etc 45,000 .00 

Lomzha,  Suvalki 43,333 .40 

Tomaschow 6,666.70 

Warsaw 73,333 .35 

Bendzin  and  vicinity 16,665 .  70 

Brzcziny 5,000 .00 

Konin 1,665.00 

Plock 3,335.00 

Vilna 10,000.00 

Szczuczyn 5,000.00 

Biala,  Ltikow 2,000 .  00 

Schaulen 1,000.00 

Wieruschow 1,000 .  00 

Sanniki 2,000 .00 

Warsaw .  .' 105,900 .00 

Lodz 7,500.00 

Warsaw 25,000 .00 

Kovno 15,000 .00 

Kalisch 4,000 .00 

Czenstochov,  Sosnowitz,  etc 10,000 .  00 

Grodno 10,000 .00 

Bialystok 20,000 .00 

Lida 3,000.00 

Szczuczyn 5,000 .00 

Chorzelle 2,500 .00 

Vilna 50,000 .00 

Volkowisk 2,000 .00 

Przasnaysz 2,000 .00 

Lodz 2,300.00 

SkaudwiHe 500 .00 

Preny 500.00 

MiHtary  Rabbi,  Dr.  Tanzer 5,000 .00 

Novo-Grodek 2,000.00 

Chaplain,  Richard 2,000 .00 

Lukow 2,000 .00 

Plock 1,000.00 

Knyschyn 1,500 .00 

Field  Rabbi,  Dr.  Baeck 600 .00 

Bitten 1,000.00 

Lodz 1,000.00 

Jwje 500.00 

Thorn - 2,000.00 

Oszmiany 1,200.00 

Slonim 2,000 .00 

Buschany 1,500.00 

Zdunska-Wola 1,000 .00 

Field  Rabbi,  Dr.  Levy 5,000 .00 

Sieradz • 1,500.00 

Simno 500 .00 

Suwalki 10,000.00 

Mariampol 500 .00 

Field  Rabbi,  Dr.  Sonderling 5,000 .00 

Augustovo 1,000 .00 

Kalvaria 500.00 

Wilkowischki 1,200.00 

Lomzha 3,000.00 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen.  67 

Grajewo Mk.  2,000 .00 

Losize 500 .00 

Skidel 2,000.00 

Ostrolenka .• 1,000 .00 

Bransk 1,500 .00 

Posen 2,000.00 

Lodz 500.00 

To  M.  M.  Warburg  &  Co.,  Hamburg  for  expenses 597 .90 

Transfer  to  Warsaw 12 ;  50 

Various  expenses  for  transfer,  etc 909 .65 

Mk.  632.819.30 

Share  of  remittances  of  the  German  Central  Relief  Committee.  .  11,633.35 


Total Mk.  644,452.65 


RECAPITULATION. 

Total  receipts Mk.  3,441,450.60 

Expenditures 644,452 .65 

Balance  on  hand Mk.  2,796,997.95 

Of  this  balance,  there  was  in  the  Berlin  Disconto 

and  Commerz  Bank Mk.   281,932.95 

Of  this,  the  following  sums  have  been  expended: 

Wolkowisk Mk.    2,000.00 

Prascnitz 2,000 .00 

Novo-Grodok 2,000 .00 

Lukow 2,000.00 

Plock 1,000.00 

Points  near  border  (Thorn) 2,000 .  00 

Zdunska-Wola 1,000 .00 

Sieradz : 1,500 .00 

Lomzha 3,000 .00 

Grajewo 2,000 .00 

Losize 500.00 

Ostrolenka 1,000 .00 

Pinsk  and  vicinity  (Dr.  Tanzer) 5,000 .00 

Points  at  the  Front  (Dr.  Baeck) 300 .00 

Points  in  the  Rokitnos  marshes.  Chaplain 

Richard  2,000 .00 

Kalisch 4,000.00 

Czenstochov,  Sosnowitz,  etc 10,000.00 

Places  in  the  District  of  Schtutschin,  Graj- 
ewo,  Rajgrod,  Wonsosz,   Radzilow  und 

Gonionds 5,000 .00 

Chorzele 2,500 .00 

Lodz 10,800.00 

Warsaw 25,000 .00 

Bialystok 20,000 .00 

Grodno ' 10,000.00 

Vilna 50,000 .00 

Carried  forward Mk.  174,600 .00 


68 


Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


Brought  forward Mk. 

Augustovo 

Bitten 

Boiansk 

Jwje 

Kalvaria 

Kielmy 

Kovno  and  Slobodka 

Knyschyn 

Lida 

Mariampol 

Oschmiana 

Breny 

Pruzana 

Skaudvill 

Skidd 

Sirnno 

Slonim 

Wilkowischki  and  Pilwischki 

Pultusk 

Vilna 

Places  in  vicinity  Vilna  (Dr.  S.  Levi) 

Schavli  and  vicinity  (Dr.  Sonderling) 

Alexandrov 

Total Mk. 

Balance  on  hand 


174,600.00 
1,000.00 
1,000.00 
1,500.00 

500.00 

500.00 

500.00 

15.000.00 

1,500.00 

3,000.00 

500.00 
1,200.00 

500.00 
1,500.00 

500.00 
2,000.00 

500.00 
2,000.00 
1,200.00 
2,000.00 
5,000.00 
5,000.00 
5,000.00 
1,000.00 


227,000.00 
54,932.95- 


Mk.   281,932.95 


RELIEF  ADMINISTERED  JOINTLY  BY  THE  JEWISH  RELIEF  COM- 
MITTEE FOR  POLAND  AND  THE  GERMAN  CENTRAL  COMMITTEE 
FOR  THE  RELIEF  OF  THE  NEEDY  IN  RUSSIAN-POLISH  TERRI- 
TORY OCCUPIED  BY  GERMAN  TROOPS. 

The  Jiidisches  Hilfskomite  fiir  Polen  has  also  cooperated  with 
the  Deutsches  Central  Hilfskomite  fur  die  Notleidenden  in  den 
von  deutschen  Truppen  besetzten  Teilen  Russisch-Polens.  $100,000 
was  appropriated  by  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  towards 
this  cooperation.  Up  to  the  present  time,  we  have  received  the 
following  report  of  this  cooperation. 


Jewish 

ReHef 

Committee 

for 

Poland 


German 

Central 

Relief 

Committee 

for 

Russian 

Poland 


Together 


1915                                                                Marks  Marks  Marks 
Mar.    5 — In  aid  of  the  needy  in  the 

district  of  Chenstochov 45,000.00  45,000.00 

Mar.    5— Same  for  district  of  Bendzin 30,000 .  00  30,000 .  00 

Mar.    5— Same  for  district  of  Kalisch 15,000 .  00  15,000 .  00 

Mar.  27 — To  cover  deficit  of  the  Lodz 

People's  Kitchen 100,000 .  00  100,000 . 00 

Mar.  30— To  the  Civil  Chief  of  the  East 

for  distribution 50,000.00  50,000.00 


Judisches  HilfskomiU  fur  Polen. 


69 


Jewish 

Relief 

Committee 

for 

Poland 


German 

Central 

Relief 

Committee 

for 

Russian 

Poland 


Together 


1915 
April  10 — Lodz  Jewish  Benevolent  So- 
ciety  

May  12 — Single  distribution  for  needy 
of  the  districts  of  Kalisch, 
15,000  —  Lodz,  25,000  — 
Dombrova  -  Tchenstokovo, 

15,000 

May  12 — Monthly  subventions  for  the 
same  districts  as  follows: 
Lomza-Suvalki  5,000.00 

Kalisch 2,500.00 

Lodz 5,000.00 

Communities  east 
and  west  of 

Lodz 5,000.00 

Dombrova- 
Tchenstoko- 
vo 5,000.00 


June    8 — Same  for  June 

July     1 — Same  for  July 

Aug.  5 — Same  for  August  (2,500  addi- 
tion for  Dombrova-Tchen- 
stokovo) 

Sept.  15 — Same  for  September  as  Au- 
gust   

Oct.  28— Same  for  October 

Nov.  12— Same  for  November  (10,000 
additional  for  Warsaw) .  .  . 

Dec.  6— Same  for  December  (10,000 
additional  for  various 
places) 

June  18— To  the  Civil  Chief  of  the  East 
for  distribution 

June  18 — Subvention  for  district  of 
Tomashov 

Jujie  18 — Subvention    for    district    of 

Brzeziny 

1 — Establishment  of  a  convales- 
cent colony  in  Lodz 

14 — Establishment  of  a  convales- 
cent colony  in  Kalisch 

14 — To  relieve  distress  in  the  burnt 

down  villages  of  the  dis- 

•   trict  of  Plotzk,  10,000,  and 

Konin,  5,000 

2 — To  relieve  Germans  in  Libau 
(600  weekly  for  4  weeks) . . 

Sept.  15 — Same  for  4  weeks  more 

Oct,   16 — Same  for  4  weeks  more 

Nov.  13 — Same  for  4  weeks  more 


July 
July 
July 


Sept. 


Marks 
3.333.30 


Marks 
1.666.70 


Marks 
5,000.00 


36,666.70       18,333.30       55,000.00 


15,000.00 
15,000.00 
15,000.00 

7,500.00 
7,500.00 
7,500.00 

22,500.00 
22,500.00 
22,500.00 

16,666.65 

8,333.35 

25,000.00 

16,666.65 
16,666.65 

8,333.35 
8,333.35 

25,000.00 
25,000.00 

26,666.65 

8,333.35 

35,000.00 

36,666,65 

8,333.35 

45,000.00 

16,666.75 

33,333.25 

50,000.00 

6,666.65 

13,333.35 

20.000.00 

5,000.00 

10,000.00 

15,000.00 

10,000.00 

10,000.00 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

5,000.00 

10,000.00 

15,000.00 

2,400.00 
2,400.00 
2,400.00 
2,400.00 

2,400.00 

2,400.00 

2,400.00 

2.400.00 

70 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


Jewish 
Relief 


German 

Central 

Relief 


Committee      Committee       Together 


for 
Poland 


for 

Ru:lsian 

Poland 


1915                                                                  Marks  Marks  Marks 
Sept.  25— To  the  Civil  Chief  of  the  East 

for  distribution 100,000 .  00  100,000 .  00 

Dec.     1— To  the  Civil  Chief  of  the  East 

for  distribution 100,000 .00  100,000 .00 

Oct.   13 — Subsidy   for   the    district    of 

Vloclavek 3,000.00  3,000.00 

0:t.   14— Same  for  Plotzk 2,000.00  2,000.00 

Nov.  29 — Establishment  of  a  home  for 

children  in  Lodz 12,000.00  12,000.00 

Nov.  29— Various  small  sums 670.00  670.00 

Oct.  29— Subsidy  for  Warsaw 60,000 .00 60,000 .  00 

Total 291,666.65  633,103.35  924,770.00 


THE    (GERMAN)    JEWISH  RELIEF    COMMITTEE 
FOR  POLAND. 

Chairman Dr.  James  Simon,  Berlin. 

Treasurer Max  M.  Warburg,  Hamburg. 

Secretar/ Dr.  Bernhard  Kahn,  Berlin. 


Executive  Committee. 


Dr.  James  Simon,  Berlin. 
Max  M.  Warburg,  Hamburg. 
Dr.  Bernhard  Kahn,  Berlin.      ~ 
Privatdozent   Dr.    Oppenheimer,    Steg- 
litz. 


Dr.  Paul  Nathan,  Berlin. 
Justizrat  Waldstein,  Altona. 
Captain  Carl  Melchior,  Berlin. 


Members. 


Justizrat  Bodenheimer,  Cologne. 
Landtagsabgeordneter  Geh.  Justizrat  O. 

Cassel. 
Assessor  Dr.  Friedmann. 
Dr.  Max  Ginsberg. 
Baron  Rudolf  von  Goldschmidt-Roth- 

schild,  Frankfort-am-Main. 
Professor  Dr.  Eugen  Mittwoch. 
Kommerzienrat  C.  L.  Netter. 
Professor  Soberheim. 
Herman  Struck. 
Geh.  Justizrat  B.  Timendorfer. 


Professor  Otto  Warburg. 

Kommerzienrat  Eisner. 

Justizrat  Dr.  J.  Blau,  Frankfort-am- 
Main. 

Geh.  Justizrat  Fuchs. 

Direktor  Karl  Herzberg,  Frankfort-am- 
Main. 

Justizrat  Horwitz. 

Lucien  Picard,  Frankfort-am-Main. 

Ludwig  Schiff,  Frankfort-am-Main. 

Justizrat  Bernhard  Breslauer. 

Direktor  Paul  Mankiewitz. 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen. 


71 


(Note — In  the  smaller  towns  and  villages  relief   is  administered   by  the 
committee  in  the  nearest  large  town  or  city.) 

LOCAL   COMMITTEES   IN   THE  LARGER   TOWNS   AND    CITIES. 


Vilna: 

Dr.  Wygodsky. 

Attorney  Rosenbaum. 

Rabbi  Rubinstein. 

Dr.  Schabth. 

Saul  Lewin. 

Dr.  Rachmilewitsch. 

A.  Scheskin. 

Grodno : 

Dr.  M.  Anzclewtsch. 

Chose  (Hotel  Owner). 

Salmon  Lipschutz. 
Herz  Dreer. 

Drischtepinsky. 

Arkin. 

Sackheim. 

Rabbiner  Gelbort. 

Lida: 

Son-in-law  of  Rabbi  Reines. 

Cantor  (Brewer). 

Jewish  Community. 

Schavli : 

Jewish  Community  under  leader- 
ship of  Army  Chaplain,  Dr. 
Sonderling. 

Jurburg : 

D.  Bermann. 
Jewish  Community. 

Salanty: 

Rabbiner  M.  A.  Rabinowitz. 

N.  Gutkin. 
L.  Rosen. 
A.  D.  Lewin. 
N.  Berkowitz. 
L.  Siew. 

Wiscni: 

Rabbi  M.  Wisanski. 
Jewish  Community. 

Wilkowischki : 

E.  A.  Grun. 
Jsak  Drushin. 
Eschiel  Bejlsken. 

F.  Schalchotzki,  Chairman. 
M.  Glicksohn. 

Bialystok : 

Executive  of   Jewish   Community. 
A.  Tyktin,  Chairman. 
A.  Lapidus. 
A.  Rappaport. 

Barrasch. 

Sch.  Herschberg. 
Rabbi  Halperin. 


Pilwischki : 

S.  Goldberg. 
A.  London. 
S.  Roschugolski. 
J.  Flensberg. 

Neu-Sigind: 

Rabbi  Schapiro. 
Jewish  Community. 

Kruki: 

Rabbi  Abramowitz. 
Jewish  Community. 

Libau: 

Chief  Rabbi  Nurok. 
Kaufmann  Herzberg. 
Jewish  Community. 

Kovno: 

Army    Chaplain,    Rabbi    Dr. 

Rosenak. 
Rabbi  J.  x\.  Kark. 
K.  Markus. 
S.  Wirlicky. 
Moses  Schapow. 
Leon  Reinberg. 
Leon  Rabinowitz. 
Ksaak  Dwonetzky. 
M.  Hellermann. 

E.  Garbatzky. 
Lasar  Segall. 
Chaim  Chassmann. 

Kovno-Slobodka : 

Rabbi  Nisson  Zablonski,  Treasurer. 

Kalmann  Ipp. 

Meyer  Barber. 

HiUel  Fin. 

Chaim  Blom. 

Joel  Joels. 

Mariampol: 

A.  Nathanson. 
Ch.  L.  Kaplan. 
Jewish  Community. 
Rabbi  Sch.  Botnicki. 

Suwalki: 

K.  Schapiro  (Treasurer). 

F.  Danielewitsch. 
Jewish  Community. 

Kalvaria: 

O.  Baxsinow. 

J.  Epstein. 

Jewish  Community. 


72 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


Augustov; 

Leib  Lewatinso. 
Abram  Wejdenbaum. 
Isaac  Rottenberg. 
B.  Marcus. 

Wirballen: 

M.  D.  Friedlander. 

Schaki: 

P.  Pfeifermacher. 

Warsaw:* 

Communal  Relief  Committee. 

Nathanson  (Chairman). 

Rundstein  (Treasurer). 

Cooperative  Organizatjpns  in  Re- 
lation to  Fugitives — Relief  So- 
ciety for  War  Victims. 

Muttermilch  (Chairman). 

Dr.  Poznanski. 

Farbstein. 

Goldflam. 

Consul  Eiger 

Lodz: 

lab^Dlfe'dt''}  Chairmen. 

Neumann. 

Ursysohn  (Treasurer). 

Lindenfeld. 

Prechner. 

Grawe  Schwartz. 

Bailder. 

Cohn. 

Pabianice: 

Faust  Bornstein. 

Zgierz : 

Ring  Naphtalin. 

Konstantinov: 

Hanftworcel. 

Alexandrov : 

Rabbi  Singer. 

Ozorkov: 

Dr.  L.  Famiter  (Chairman). 
Dawid  Swistowitz  (Treasurer). 

Wolborn: 

Rabbi  Ch.  B.  Dembinski. 
Jewish  Community. 


Kalisch: 

Relief     Committee   of    the    Jewish 
Community. 
Dr.  Brcckmann  (Chairman). 
A.  Kaplan  (Secretary). 
A.  Guttfreund  (Treasurer). 
Rabbi  Liebschutz. 
Selig  Friede. 
City  Councillor  Kaufmann. 

Chenstochov : 

Dr.  Edward  Cohn,  Chairman  of  the 

Benevolent  Society  for  Jews. 
Chief  Rabbi  N.  Asch. 
Jewish  Community. 

Sosnowitz : 

Stanislaus  Reicher. 
Jewish  Community. 

Bendzin: 

Relief  Society. 
Dr.  Weinziher  (Chairman). 
Rabbi  Graubert. 
Jewish  Community. 

Dombrova : 

Relief  Society. 

Kaufmann  Siegreich. 

Benevolent  Society. 

Rabbi  Landau  (Chairman). 

Kaufmann  Weitzen. 

Executive  of  Jewish  Community. 

Grajevo: 

Rabbi  M.  Awigdor  Amiel. 
Jewish  Community. 

Lask: 

Abram  Lefkowitz  (Chairman). 
Meyer  Berkenwald  (Secretary). 
Jewish  Community. 

Kielce: 

Jewish  Citizens'  Committee. 
Dr.  Lewin  (Chairman). 
J.  Stemfeld. 
S.  Hirsch  (Secretary). 

Pinsk: 

Dr.  Alexander  Lurie. 
Attorney  Boruschek. 
Attorney  Samuel  Wohl. 
Hirsch  Hiller. 
Israel  Lewin. 
Samuel  Avigdor  Lewin. 


♦The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  at  a  meeting  held  March  20,  1916,  added  to  the 
Warsaw  Committee:  Messrs.  Levi  Lewin- Epstein,  Wagmeister,  Segal,  Medom,  Dinensohn  and 
a  representative  of  the  workingmen,  to  be  designated  later. 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen. 


73 


DISTRIBUTION   OF  RELIEF. 


The  following  sums  have  been  distributed  to  the  most  needy  of  the  Jewish 
population  by  Leon  Scheinhaus  of  Memel  through  local  rabbis: 


Garsden  (May) 

Krottingen  (May) 

Polangen  (May) 

Wewerzany  (May) 

Schweksnja  (May) 

Salanten  (May) 

Telschen  (Jime) 

Schkudy  (June) 

Plungiany  (June) 

Womy  (June) 

Lankowo  (June) 

Neustadt  Sugind  (June)...  . 

Chweidan  (June) 

Ritawen  (June) 

Dorbiany  (June) 

Kul  (June) 

Civil    and    War    Prisoners 

(August) 

Telschen 

Kurschany 

Trischki 

Lukniki 

Naherany 

Siady 

Olsiady 

Murahjewo 

Wekschnie 

Krottingen . 

Schkudy. . . 


(Aug.  23). 


M.  100.00 
125.00 

50.00 
100.00 
175.00 
200.00 
1,200.00 
200.00 
300.00 
200.00 
150.00 
450.00 
350.00 
150.00 
100.00 

40.00 

30.00 


1.500.00 


300.00 
150.00 


M.  5,940.00 


Laukowo M. 

Neustadt  Sugind 

Chweidan 

Schillel 

Plungiany 

Kul 

Andrejewo 

Womy 

Ritawen 

Twer 

Telschen 

Kurschany 

Lukniki 

Trischki 

Naweramy 

Siady 

Olsiday 

Murawjewo 

Wekschne 

Illoki 

Poppeliany 


100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
150.00 
100.00 
50.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 


Aug.  30 1,080.00 


Weinuten M.  90. 00 

Krosze 144.00 

Skandwill 144.00 

Kelmy 180.00 

Polangen 315.00 

Chweidan 90.00 

Schweksnje 108. 00 

Neustadt-Sugind 108. 00 

Schillel 90.00 

Kul 72.00 

Plotel 72.00 


M.  8,433.00 


Plungiany M.  144. 00 

Salanten 90.00 

Schkudy 108.00 

Seriamy 45.00 

Ritawen 90.00 

Wewessany 63. 00 

Laukowo 72.00 

Dorbiany 90.00 

Womy 90.00 

Krottingen 153.00 

Massiady 54. 00 

Koltynian 54.00 

Pojursche 64. 00 

Schweksnje 100. 00 

Wessany 100.00 

Ritawen 100.00 

Krottingen 100.00 

Jurburg 100.00 

Andrejewo 60. 84 

11  Communities  in  Telschi. .      1,500. 00 

Plungiany 300. 00 

Salanten 300.00 

Total M.  12,200.84 


74  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

DISTRIBUTION   OF  RELIEF   THROUGH   MILITARY  RABBI 
DR.  SALLY  LEVI. 

The  following  sums  were  distributed  through  Army  Chaplain,  Rabbi  Dr. 

Sally  Levi,  formerly  of  Suwalki,  now  of  Wilna. 

July  21— Pilwischken M.  200. 00 

Pilwischken 50. 00 

Jeleniewo 20. 00 

Wilkowischki  for  Kalwaria 200. 00 

Kalwaria 150. 00 

Wladislawowo  for  Schaky 300. 00 

Wladislawowo 20. 00 

Suwalki,  Lechem  Laanijim 300. 00 

Suwalki,  Moschab  Sekenim 100. 00 

Various  Individuals 60 .  00 

For  Carpentry  Work 110. 00 

July  28— Augustowo 50. 00 

Augustowo  for  Stabin  Lipsk 50. 00 

Kalwaria 100. 00 

Aug.  23— To  cover  notes  due 50. 00 

Committee  on  Distribution  of  Bread  through  Frau  Recht- 

sanwalt  Danielowitsch  and  Becker  Liskowski 800.00 

Minor  appropriations  and  artisans  for  labor  performed.  . .  140.00 

Sept.  14— To  the  Steward  of  Alvensleben  for  Racki 500. 00 

Suwalki,  Bread  Distribution 150. 00 

Suwalki,  People's  Kitchen 200. 00 

Kalwarja 200. 00 

Nov.  13 — fitape  Commanders  of  Mariampol 500. 00 

Cantor  Sirota,  Mitau 50. 00 

Schaki  (for  plundered  persons) .^ 400.00 

Total M.  4,700.00 

The  following  sums  were  distributed  through  Eugene  Laaser. 

Sept.  10— Jurburg M.   50. 00 

Nowo-Mesta 50. 00 

Keidany 100. 00 

Rosiemmy  and  vicinity  (R.  A.  Lewin) 300.  00 

July  30— Tauroggen,  Skautville,  Schilehnen  und  Opino 300. 00 

Sept.  14— Opino,  Tauroggen 100. 00 

Chwidan 100. 00 

Sept.  20— Schaulen 50. 00 

Nov.  15— Jurburg,  100. 00;   Welona,  50.  00 150. 00 

Seretniki,  75. 00;   Wilki,  75. 00 150. 00 

Eivolagda,  50. 00;   Beitagola,  50. 00 100.  00 

Nov.  27— Schitlowo  100.  00;   Sitowiany,  100. 00 200.  00 

Kroki 100. 00 

Dec.  15— Kroki,  100. 00;  H.  Wulff  of  Libau,  10. 00 110. 00 

Treschki,  100.00;   Opino,  50.00 150.00 

Total M.  2,010.00 

The  following   sums  were  distributed  through  Rabbi   Dr.   Vogelstein  of 

Konigsberg : 

Aug.  13 — Wilkowischki  for  Fugitives  from  Pilwischki M.  200.00 

Wilkowischki  for  Fugitives  from  Kalwaria 200. 00 

Pilwischki 150. 00 

Mariampol  for  Fugitives  from  Kalvaria  and  Ludwino 200. 00 

Mariampol 100. 00 

Kalvaria 200.  00 

Rabbi  Dr.  Levy  for  Suwalki 180.  00 

Rabbi  Dr.  Levy  for  Schaki 200.00 

Total M.  1,430.00 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Pol  en.  75 

The  following  sums  were  distributed  by  Max  Amsdorf  of  Konigsberg: 

October— Jurburg M.  100. 00 

Wilonen 155.00 

Srednik 339.00 

Wilki 200 .  00 

Kovno 600. 00 

Total M.  1.394.00 


REPORT    ON    TRIP    THROUGH    COURLAND    AND    LITHUANIA. 

December  12  to  31,  1916. 

Dr.  Paul  Nathan  and  Dr.  Bernard  Kahn  undertook  a  trip  on  behalf  of  the 
Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen  through  Courland  and  Lithuania  from  December 
12  to  31,  1915. 

Introduction. 

The  situation  of  the  Jews  in  the  districts  visited,  with  the  exception  of 
Courland,  is  worse  even  than  in  Poland.  Even  though  the  people  in  Poland  have 
become  impoverished,  there  are  autonomous  Jewish  communities  which  are 
able  to  raise  some  of  the  funds  for  cultural  and  charitable  purposes  through 
taxation. 

There  are  no  such  autonomous  Jewish  communities  in  other  parts  of  Russia. 
Jewish  communal  and  charitable  needs  are  met  by  voluntary  contributions  and 
by  two  forms  of  taxes  especially  imposed  on  the  Jews:  the  so-called  candle  tax 
and  the  meat  tax. 

The  candle  tax  is  only  nominally  the  old  tax  on  Sabbath  candles.  It  is 
really  a  more  recent  and  direct  tax  imposed  by  the  authorities  upon  the  Jews. 
The  revenue  from  these  taxes  covers  about  one-half  of  the  cost  of  maintaining 
the  schools  and  similar  cultural  undertakings. 

The  meat  tax  is  an  indirect  tax,  assessed  upon  each  head  of  cattle  slaughtered. 
What  was  left  of  these  taxes  after  passing  through  the  hands  of  the  poHce  admin- 
istration was  devoted  to  various  Jewish  charitable  purposes. 

Most  of  the  Jewish  charitable  institutions  had  depended  upon  the  meat 
tax.  Many  of  them  also  owned  real  estate,  from  which  the  rents  were  devoted 
to  charity. 

It  has  not  been  possible  to  maintain  the  meat  and  candle  taxes  under  the 
German  administration  except  in  a  few  places.  In  Vilna,  for  example,  the  meat 
tax  is  still  in  force.  The  income  from  the  rents  of  houses  owned  by  the  charitable 
societies  has  fallen  off  almost  completely. 

Then,  again,  the  communities  in  Lithuania  have  not  the  financial  resources 
of  the  Polish  communities,  nor  are  they  able  to  raise  funds  for  charitable  uses 
through  municipal  loans  or  investments  in  municipal  bonds  as  the  Polish  com- 
munities do.  An  experiment  in  Bialystok  with  a  municipal  loan  failed  com- 
pletely. It  is  true  that  in  Poland  the  municipal  securities  have  depreciated 
considerably,  but  their  purchasing  value  is  nevertheless  increasing.  In  Bialystok 
the  municipal  securities  purchased  are  worthless,  as  anyone  accepting  them  as 
legal  tender  is  liable  to  imprisonment. 

These  conditions  have  increased  the  general  distress,  already  aggravated 
by  the  commercial  standstill  and  the  heavy  requisitions  from  which  the  Jewish 
population  has  suffered  most. 


76  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

The  better-to-do  Jews  have  almost  all  left  the  country,  not  so  much  of  their 
own  free  will,  but  because  of  the  pressure  of  the  retreating  Russians.  It  is  obvious 
that  the  possibilities  of  raising  funds  to  maintain  the  charitable  institutions  and 
to  relieve  the  suffering  in  Lithuania,  are  much  slimmer  than  in  Poland.  We 
must  therefore  make  larger  grants  here  than  in  the  Polish  districts  west  of  the 
Vistula. 

Courland. 

Courland  has  a  population  of  about  700,000,  of  whom  50,000  (or  7.5  percent.) 
are  Jews.  Four-fifths  of  the  Jews  were  driven  out  by  the  Russians,  so  that  only 
10,000  to  11,000  were  able  to  remain.     About  8,000  are  in  Libau. 

Cities  which  had  large  Jewish  communities  have  now  few  or  no  Jews,  as, 
for  instance,  Mitau,  with  a  former  Jewish  population  of  7,000;  Tuktum,  2,000; 
Windau,  4,000;  Pilken  and  Talsen,  each  1,000;  Frauenberg,  4,000;  Goldingen, 
3,000.  All  of  the  Jews  of  Kantau,  Zabel  and  Sasniki — 500  in  each  town — were 
driven  out.  Three  thousand  Jews  were  either  expelled  from  lUukst,  or  left  on 
account  of  the  military  operations. 

The  Jews  remained  undisturbed  only  in  Hasenpot  and  Polangen,  where 
each  community  numbered  about  1,000,  as  also  in  a  few  small  places  like  Grobin, 
near  the  German  border,  which  were  occupied  so  early  in  the  war  that  the  Russians 
had  no  time  to  expel  the  Jews. 

The  condition  of  the  Jews  of  Courland  in  normal  times  is  very  fair.  As 
only  old  settlers  had  the  right  of  domicile  there,  a  large  influx  of  Jews  was  impos- 
sible. There  being  no  congestion  in  the  Jewish  community,  competition  was 
not  too  keen,  and  the  dire  poverty  of  the  overcrowded  cities  of  Poland,  Lithuania 
and  other  parts  of  the  Pale  of  Settlement  was  unknown. 

Now,  40,000  or  50,000  of  the  Jews  of  Courland  are  homeless.  They 
are  wandering  hither  and  thither  in  Russia.  It  is  doubtful  if  they  will  be  able 
to  return  to  their  homes,  even  after  peace  is  restored.  In  any  event,  their  eco- 
nomic condition  will  inevitably  be  very  bad  for  a  long  time  thereafter. 


Libau. 

In  times  of  peace,  Libau  had  a  population  of  80,000  to  90,000,  of  whom 
11,000  to  12,000  were  Jews,  45,000  Letts  (Evangelist),  15,000  Germans,  5,000 
Russians,  3,000  Poles,  15,000  Lithuanians  (Catholic).  Now  the  population  is 
reduced  to  50,000,  including  7,000  Jews.  The  Libau  Jews  were  mostly  merchants 
and  artisans.  Most  of  the  commerce  was  in  Jewish  hands.  There  were  large 
export  houses,  a  number  of  Jewish  factories,  a  very  large  number  of  Jewish 
commission  merchants  and  business  agents.  The  situation  of  the  middle-class 
Jews  is  now  extremely  wretched.  Still,  compared  with  the  dreadful  lot  of  the 
Jews  of  Lithuania,  the  Jews  of  Libau  are  not  so  badly  off,  because  they  are  able 
to  do  without  much  help  from  the  relief  funds — or  perhaps  it  should  be  said 
that  they  must  do  without — the  distress  elsewhere  being  so  much  greater.  The 
city  of  Libau  has  floated  a  loan  of  M.  2,000,000  in  the  form  of  municipal  bonds 
for  relief  purposes. 

Lithuania. 

After  Libau,  the  first  place  to  be  visited  was  the  city  of  Schaulen.  The 
journey  thence  took  us  through  a  number  of  smaller  places.     Wekschnia  is  a 


Judisches  Hilfskomiti  fur  Polen.  77 

ruin;  some  of  the  2,000  Jews  were  expelled,  others  left  the  town  perforce  when 
the  town  was  destroyed.  Popeliani  has  3,000  Jews,  only  a  few  are  employed, 
the  rest  are  in  great  need.  There  are  200  Jews  in  Schaffkiani.  15,000  of  the 
20,000  Jews  of  Kurschany  have  lost  all  their  possessions  through  the  partial 
destruction  of  the  city. 

Schaulen. 

Schaulen  is  desolate.  It  was  a  prosperous  town  of  36,000  inhabitants, 
among  them  20,000  Jews.  Now  it  is  nothing  but  a  great  heap  of  ruins,  after 
having  been  burnt  down  by  the  Russians.  The  principal  section  was  destroyed, 
but  a  few  houses  are  left  on  the  outskirts.  The  Jews  were  all  expelled.  Instead 
of  20,000  Jews,  there  are  left  115  families  of  520  souls.  Half  of  these  are  former 
residents  of  Schaulen,  the  other  half  from  the  vicinity  who  live  in  some  partly 
restored  ruins  and  carry  on  a  small  trade  with  the  German  soldiery. 

The  district  east  of  Schaulen  has  been  hard  hit.  Many  villages  were 
completely  destroyed.  Most  of  the  Jews  of  the  nearby  towns  were  expelled — 
from  Ponewiesch,  for  instance. 

Kovno. 

Kovno  had  70,000  inhabitants  before  the  war — 45,000  of  them  Jews.  All 
of  the  Jews  in  the  fortress  of  Kovno  were  expelled  by  the  Russians.  During 
the  German  advance,  some  of  the  Kovno  Jews  returned  from  Vilna,  where  they 
had  taken  refuge.  Many  others  came  back  from  the  villages  nearby,  so  that 
there  must  now  be  5,000  to  6,000  Jews  in  Kovno.  Homes  and  shops  were  looted 
in  the  absence  of  Jewish  owners,  who  often  found  nothing  but  bare  walls  on  their 
return. 

The  need  is  overwhelming,  and  increases  daily.  New  groups  of  Jews  are 
continually  returning  from  various  places  of  refuge.  Many  come  in  from  the 
vicinity  in  the  hope  of  finding  employment,  though  the  opportunities  are  very 
few.  Arrangements  have  been  made  to  distribute  bread  and  small  sums  of 
money.  A  loan  fund  has  been  started.  A  children's  kitchen,  a  warm  lounging 
room  and  a  large  public  kitchen  were  in  prospect  while  we  were  there.  The 
necessary  funds  cannot  possibly  be  raised  locally.  M.  10,000  a  month  are  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  meet  the  most  urgent  needs. 


Slobodka. 

The  distress  in  Slobodka  is  appalling.  Slobodka  is  a  suburb  of  Kovno, 
and  the  seat  of  a  famous  Yeshiba.  The  town  is  a  collection  of  wooden  huts 
with  a  normal  population  of  10,000,  mostly  Jews.  There  are  only  about  5,000 
to  6,000  Jews  left.  People's  kitchens  must  be  opened  there  as  well,  and  head- 
quarters established  for  the  distribution  of  supplies.  M.  5,000  are  needed  for 
these  purposes. 

To  restore  Kovno  and  Slobodka  to  their  important  place  in  Jewish  life, 
the  Jewish  schools  and  seminaries  should  be  given  especial  consideration.  At 
the  very  least,  the  teachers  and  pupils  must  be  given  the  preference  in  the 
distribution  of  supplies,  etc. 


78  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Vilna. 

Vilna,  the  chief  city  of  Lithuania,  had  200,000  inhabitants  before  the  war — 
over  half  of  them  Jews.  Vilna  has  always  been  a  city  where  Jewish  misery  was 
obviously  poignant.  Conditions  are  now  a  hundred  times  worse  than  ever. 
The  population  has  dwindled  to  150,000,  about  half  being  Jews.  About  30,000 
Jews  and  20,000  non-Jews  must  therefore  have  left  the  city. 

Soon  after  the  war  began,  Vilna  became  a  centre  for  refugees  from  Poland 
and  Lithuania.  A  refugees'  relief  committee  was  organized  in  August,  1914, 
to  take  care  of  the  refugees  who  either  passed  through  the  city  or  remained. 
Over  150,000  refugees  have  come  to  Vilna.  At  the  time  of  the  entry  of  the 
Germans,  there  were  still  22,000  of  them  in  the  city. 

The  figures  cited  are  only  for  the  poor  refugees.  Large  numbers  of  well-to-do 
people  with  means  of  their  own  are  not  included.  The  income  of  the  Vilna  relief 
committee  from  its  inception  was  about  808,000  roubles:  404,200  roubles  were 
contributed  by  the  Jewish  Relief  Committee  of  Petrograd,  85,000  roubles  by 
the  Grand  Duchess  Tatiana  Relief  Committee,  8,200  roubles  by  the  municipal 
administration  of  Vilna,  2,000  roubles  by  the  All-Russian  Mimicipal  League, 
and  there  were  collections  amounting  to  25,161  roubles.  The  rest  came  from 
various  sources,  including  a  round  100,000  roubles  realized  by  the  Food  and 
Fuel  Commission.  At  the  time  of  our  visit  they  had  2,050  roubles  on  hand, 
with  a  minimum  budget  of  25,000  roubles  a  month  to  meet  the  most  urgent  needs. 

At  the  time  of  the  German  occupation  on  September  18,  1915,  there  were, 
as  above  stated,  22,000  Jewish  refugees  in  Vilna,  who  came  from  150  places. 
All  except  4,660  were  repatriated  at  the  expense  of  the  relief  committee.  Of 
those  who  remained,  915  were  lodged  in  public  shelters  at  a  cost  of  4,436  roubles 
a  month.  3,400  persons  were  placed  in  private  houses  at  10  kopeks  a  day  each: 
340  roubles  a  day,  or  10,200  roubles  a  month.  In  addition,  710  refugees  receive 
meals  from  the  people's  kitchens  at  9  kopeks  each — 64  roubles  a  day,  or  1,920  a 
month. 

Just  as  in  Warsaw,  the  distress  increased  rapidly  after  the  occupation  of 
the  city.  All  the  factories  were  shut  down,  affecting  15,000  Jewish  workers. 
Commerce  came  to  a  standstill,  food  rose  to  famine  prices,  and  there  was  general 
unemployment.  The  institutions  which  must  be  maintained  for  the  Vilna 
population  and  the  refugees  are  the  following: 

(1)  Ten  sheltering  houses:   monthly  maintenance  of 

1,000  persons R.  4,436 

(2)  A  pubHc  kitchen  for  1,400  children:   monthly. .        4,500 

(3)  Two  children's  homes  for  500  to  600  children. 

(The    children    are    fed    in    the    children's 
kitchens) 300 

(4)  Care  of  refugees  impossible  to  repatriate:    190 

monthly 2,300 

(5)  For    insane    (originally    70 — 30    having    since 

died)  40  monthly 600 

(6)  For  care  of  sick:  monthly 900 

(7)  For  care  of  (full)  orphans 300 

(8)  Lodging  of  refugees  in  private  homes:   monthly.  10,000 

(9)  For  wives  of  reservists 15,000 

(10)  For  people's  kitchens 3,000 

(11)  Additional  grants  for  people's  kitchens,  open  air 

kitchens  and  workingmen's  kitchens— monthly  500 

Total  per  month R.  41,836 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen.  79 

There  is  a  whole  series  of  Jewish  institutions  besides.  Then  there  is  the 
task  of  finding  means  for  the  care  of  the  shame-faced  poor.  For  the  present 
these  activities  can  somehow  be  taken  care  of  by  the  Vilna  community,  though 
with  great  strain  and  difficulty.  Some  funds  can  still  be  raised  from  the  Korobka 
(meat  tax).  The  above  sum  of  40,000  roubles  a  month,  however,  must  be  found 
if  the  Jewish  population  of  Vilna  is  not  to  find  itself  in  extremities. 

The  dire  poverty  of  the  people  is  best  illustrated  by  the  fact  that  it  has 
become  necessary  to  establish  public  kitchens  in  the  streets  of  Vilna,  where 
thousands  crowd  for  the  little  water  soup  that  often  serves  as  a  day's  rations. 
The  health  of  the  population  is  greatly  affected  by  these  circumstances.  The 
mortality  rate  for  1915  has  doubled,  and  is  still  rising,  though  the  population 
has  decreased  by  a  third. 

The  district  around  Vilna,  thickly  dotted  with  little  Jewish  villages,  has 
suffered  severely  as  well. 


Lida. 

The  normal  population  of  Lida  is  12,000,  of  whom  8,000  are  Jews.  There 
are  only  8,000  left,  including  6,000  Jews.  Every  means  of  livelihood  has  been 
cut  off,  the  people  have  eaten  up  their  savings  and  are  destitute.  Bread  and 
other  supplies  must  be  distributed.  An  appropriation  of  M.  3,000  a  month  is 
necessary. 

Grodno. 

Grodno  had  a  population  of  60,000,  including  40,000  Jews.  There  are 
only  24,000  people  left  in  Grodno,  of  whom  18,000  are  Jews.  A  public  kitchen 
has  been  opened,  which  serves  180  midday  meals  free.  Headquarters  must  be 
established  for  distribution  of  bread  and  wood,  and  a  kitchen  is  needed  for  the 
shame-faced  poor.  This  will  require  M.  10,000  a  month.  The  numerous  villages 
in  the  vicinity  also  need  substantial  assistance. 


Bialystok. 

Bialystock,  with  its  100,000  inhabitants  (of  whom  80,000  were  Jews),  is  the 
manufacturing  and  industrial  centre  of  Lithuania.  In  normal  times,  the  indus- 
trious Jewish  population  is  in  fairly  good  circumstances.  Now  the  situation 
is  very  precarious.  About  30,000  Jews  of  the  well-to-do  class  have  left  the  city. 
Thousands  and  thousands  of  destitute  Jews  have  streamed  into  the  city  from 
far  and  near,  so  that  Bialystock  to-day  harbors  70,000  Jews.  The  poverty  is 
extreme.  The  people's  kitchen  provides  3,300  midday  meals  daily,  at  a  cost  of 
M.  20,000  a  month.  For  other  rehef  purposes  and  for  supplies  at  least  M.  10,000 
a  month  are  necessary.  The  maintenance  of  a  separate  workingmen's  kitchen 
requires  M.  2,000  a  month.  The  community  has  reorganized  itself  under  tlie 
German  administration,  with  the  right  to  assess  taxes,  so  that  hereafter  some 
income  is  to  be  looked  for.  However,  M.  20,000  a  month  still  appears  to  be 
the  sum  necessary  for  the  varioi;s  institutions. 

The  distress  in  the  vicinity  of  Bialystok  is  likewise  very  great. 


80  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

SUMMARY. 
Lithuania. 

The  Lithuanian  districts  occupied  by  the  Germans  comprise  the  following 
provinces : 

Total  Per 

Population          Jews  Cent. 

(1)  Kovno 1,544,564         212,666  13.77 

(2)  Grodno 1,603,409         280,489  17. 49 

(3)  Vilna 1,591,207         204,686  12.86 


4,739,180         697,841         10.51 

(4)  A  small  section  of  the  provinces  of  Minsk  and  Pinsk  may  be  left 
out  of  consideration,  as  a  small  part  of  the  Province  of  Vilna 
is  still  in  Russian  hands,  so  that  the  figures  for  the  respective 
populations  offset  each  other. 

Of  the  700,000  Lithuanian  Jews,  about  one-fourth  were 
expelled,  and  125,000  voluntarily  followed  the  retreating 
Russian  army.  We  have  therefore  to  reckon  with  the  400,000 
to  450,000  Jews  still  in  Lithuania.  Half  of  the  Lithuanians 
are  in  sore  need  of  relief,  and  the  distress  grows  from  day  to 
day. 
Courland. 

Courland  included  60,000  Jews  among  its  700,000  inhabitants.   40,000  were 
expelled. 

The  absolute  minimum  needed  monthly  in  each  of  the  cities  and  provinces 
will  be  listed  in  a  later  statement. 

For  the  present,  the  sum  absolutely  necessary  for   . 

Lithuania  is M.  125,000  monthly 

For   the   north   Polish   provinces  of  Lomzha  and 

Suwalki 25,000  monthly 

Hitherto  we  have  allowed  for  Poland  west  of  the 
Vistula  M.  45,000  a  month.  With  the  in- 
creasing distress,  we  must  raise  the  figure  to 
at  least 71,500  monthly 


Total  needed  for  relief  in  Poland  and 

Lithuania M.  221,500  monthly 

If  it  be  realized  that  these  M.  221,500  a  month  are  intended  to  feed  a  starving 
population  of  three-quarters  of  a  million,  it  will  be  obvious  that  this  seemingly 
large  sum  will  have  to  be  spread  out  very  thinly. 

Unfortunately,  we  must  expect  to  furnish  relief  for  a  long  time  to  come, 
and  therefore  feel  compelled  to  limit  ourselves  to  the  above-mentioned  monthly 
appropriations. 

FINANCIAL   SURVEY. 

Up  to  date  the  following  sums  have  been  disbursed: 

(1)  For  Kalisch,  Mk.  35,000,  of  which  two-thirds  from 

the  Judisches  Hilfskom Mk.  23,333. 30 

Separate  remittances  from  the  Judisches  Hilfs- 
kom   3,100. 00 

(2)  For  Lodz  and  vicinity,  Mk.  85,000,  of  which  two- 

thirds  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 56,666.80 

Separate  remittance  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom  5,000. 00 

(3)  For  Provinces  of  Chenstochav,  Dombrova,  Zawierce, 

Bendzin  and  vicinity,  Mk.  67,500,  of  which 

two-thirds  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom. . .  .  45,000.00 

(4)  For  Provinces  of  Lomzha  and  Suwalki,  Mk.  65,000, 

of    which    two-thirds    from    the    Judisches 

Hilfskom 43,333. 40 


Judisches  HilfskomiU  fur  Polen.  81 

(5)  For  Tomaschov,  Mk.  20,000,  of  which  one-third  from 

the  Judisches  Hilfskom Mk.     6,666. 70 

(6)  For  Warsaw: 

Separate  remittance  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom  50,000. 00 

Separate  remittance  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom  10,000. 00 

Mk.    20,000,    of    which    two-thirds    from    the 

Judisches  Hilfskom 13,333. 35 

(7)  For  Bendzin  and  vicinity,   Mk.   50,000,  of  which 

one-third  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 16,665. 70 

(8)  For  Brzeziny,  Mk.  15,000,  of  which  one-third  from 

the  Judisches  Hilfskom 5,000. 00 

(9)  For  Kpnin,  Mk.  5,000,  of  which  one-third  from  the 

Judisches  Hilfskom 1,665. 00 

(10)  For  Plotzk,  Mk.  10,000,  of  which  one-third  from  the 

Judisches  Hilfskom 3,335. 00 

(11)  For  Vilna: 

Separate  remittance  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom  10,000. 00 

(12)  For  Szczuczyn,  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 5,000. 00 

(13)  For    Biala,    Lukow     (Jews    from     Brest -Litovsk), 

from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 2,000. 00 

(14)  For  Schaulen,  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 1,000. 00 

(15)  For  Wieruschow,  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 1,000. 00 

(16)  For  Sanniki,  from  the  Judisches  Hilfskom 2,000. 00 

Mk7304~099.25 

All  told  461,600  Marks  were  spent  for  the  Jews  of  the  above-mentioned 
provinces.  Of  this  sum,  the  Interconfessional  Committee  for  Poland  contributed 
157,500.75  M.  and  the  Judisches  Hilfscomite  fur  Polcn  304.099.25  M. 

For  the  month  of  January,  1916,  we  intend  to  distribute  the  following 
amounts: 

A.    For  Poland. 

(1)  For  Lodz,  hitherto,  Mk.  5,000 Mk.    7,500.00 

(2)  For  vicinity  of  Lodz 5,000. 00 

(3)  For  Chenstochov,   Dombrova,   etc.,    hitherto,    Mk. 

7,000 10,000. 00 

(4)  For  Warsaw,  hitherto,  Mk.  10,000 15,000. 00 

(5)  For  Kalisch,  hitherto,  Mk.  2,500 4,000. 00 

(6)  A  group  of  smaller  towns  between  Lodz  and  War- 

saw   10,000.00 

(7)  Polish    border    country'    near    Konigsberg,    Thorn, 

Memel,  5.000 10,000. 00 

(8)  For  Refugees  in  Poland 10,000. 00 

(9)  For  Provinces  of  Lomzha  and  Suwalki 25,000.00 

Mk.  96,500.00 
B.    For  Lithuania.  ===== 

(1)  For  Vilna Mk.  50,000.00 

(2)  For  small  towns  in  the  vicinity  of  Vilna  and  Schaulen  5,000. 00 

(3)  For  Kovno  with  Slobodka 15,000. 00 

(4)  For  Vicinity  of  Kovno 5,000. 00 

(5)  For  Grodno 10,000. 00 

(6)  For  vicinity  of  Grodno 3,000. 00 

(7)  For  Bialystok 20,000. 00 

(8)  For  vicinity  of  Bialystok 5,000. 00 

(9)  For  Lida 3,000. 00 

(10)  For  Pinsk 4,000. 00 

(11)  For  villages  pear  the  front 5,000. 00 

Mk.l25^000.00 

The  sum  of  M.  211,500  has  therefore  been  spent  for  Poland  and  Lithuania 
for  the  month  of  January.  At  least  as  much  must  be  had  for  the  months 
following. 


82  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

REPORT  OF  THE  ACTIVITIES  UP  TO  THE  PRESENT. 

General. 

The  Hilfskomit^  fiir  Polen,  which,  since  the  beginning  of  the 
activities,  has  managed  the  reUef  money  from  the  United  States, 
has  expended: 

To  December  31,  1915 M.  304,099.25 

From  January  1,  1916— April  26,  1916 1,592,179. 34 

In  May,  up  to  the  present  (until  May  15) ...  .  584,314.80 

Total M.  2,480,595.39 


Up  to  this  time,  the  monthly  expenditures  have  grown  to  over 
M.  500,000,  with  which  were  assisted 

Cities  and  Districts  in  Poland 129 

Cities  and  Districts  in  Lithuania 123 

Total 252 


In  these  are  found  about  130  peoples'  kitchens,  50  children 
and  school  kitchens,  30  tea  and  refreshment  halls  and  other  numerous 
public  accommodations,  besides  sanitary  accommodations  for  the 
benefit  of  the  hungry  and  sick. 

Several  hospitals  also  had  to  be  assisted,  on  account  of  the 
growth  of  epidemic  sicknesses. 

The  names  of  the  districts  and  the  amount  of  relief  work  of  the 
industrial  cities  are  included  in  this  report. 

Unfortunately,  the  need  in  the  occupied  districts  has  increased. 
The  reasons  for  this  are  manifold. 

(1)  The  scant  provisions  which  were  on  hand  in  the  occupied  districts, 
are  decreasing  more  and  more.  The  months  before  the  new  crops  are  always 
the  hardest.  The  Hmited  supplies  from  the  neutral  countries  are  now  almost 
gone.  For  the  Jewish  population,  these  supplies  were  not  of  especial  value, 
because  the  pork  fats  supplied  could  not  be  used  by  them. 

Lately,  we  have  had  to  use  a  great  deal  of  effort  to  bring  food 
to  Poland  and  Lithuania,  instead  of  the  money,  or  in  addition  to 
money.  In  April  and  May,  food  for  about  M.  100,000  (for  Passover 
and  Matzos)  sent  by  us  to  the  occupied  districts. 

(2)  The  means  of  the  communities  (Warsaw,  Lodz,  etc.),  and  all  the 
existing  charitable  institutions,  gradually  became  exhausted,  so  that  the  various 
places  could  hardly  contribute  any  of  their  own  means  for  relief  of  the  needy. 
Besides  this,  the  few  remaining  wealthy  families^  could  contribute^  vey  little 
of  their  own  private  means,  as  they  have  very  little  credit  at  their  disposal. 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen.  83 

And  the  middle  class  (intelligent),  and  the  smaller  dealers  and  merchants  are 
falling  more  and  more  into  the  pitiful  condition  of  the  proletariat. 

(3)  With  the  long  duration  of  the  war,  the  last  possibilities  to  carry  on 
business  or  to  find  employment  are  disappearing.  The  number  of  unemployed 
and  needy  is  constantly  increasing. 

We  are  face  to  face  with  an  ever-increasing  need,  where  all 
help  seems  insignificant.  The  condition  of  the  combined  population, 
and  especially  the  Jews,  becomes  sadder  day  by  day. 

The  mortality  in  the  entire  occupied  district  has  been  tripled 
and  quadrupled,  although  the  German  military  board  of  health 
does  everything  possible  within  human  power.  In  Warsaw,  for 
instance,  in  August,  1915,  and  in  the  prececing  year,  the  mortality 
average  w^as  15  per  thousand;  today  the  mortality  has  increased 
to  over  35  per  thousand.  In  the  places  and  districts  where  less 
favorable  sanitary  and  other  accommodations  exist,  the  percentage 
of  the  mortality  has  become  even  higher. 

The  conditions  have  become  worse  of  late,  through  the  English 
seizing  all  moneys  and  checks  which  are  sent  by  people  in  America 
to  their  relatives  in  Poland  and  Lithuania.  These  sums  amounted, 
in  the  last  months,  to  500,000-600,000  Marks  monthly;  now  no 
more  is  being  received.  The  English  do  not  let  through  any  more 
mail  with  enclosures  of  money  and  checks,  and  the  condition  of  the 
civil  population,  who  can  receive  neither  money  nor  sustenance 
from  relatives  abroad,  is  made  frigjitfvdly  worse. 

The  centers  of  distress  are: 


I.    In  Poland. 

(Exclusive  of  the  Government  of  Suwalki,  which  we  cotmt  to  Lithuania,  as  it 
seems  to  be  under  its  management,  and  the  governments  of  Radom,  Kielce, 
Lublin  and  part  of  the  Government  of  Cholm,  which  belong  to  the  Austrian 
jurisdiction) : 

(1)  Lodz  and  its  environs,  to  the  German  frontier  (Kalisch). 

Particularly  sad  is  the  condition  in  the  Lodz  district 
Brzeziny.  There  are  about  200,000  Jews  in  the  district, 
among  which  half  are  more  or  less  suffering  distress. 
Monthly  expenditures  necessary  about M.  40,000.00 

(2)  Warsaw  and  its  environs,   with  500,000  Jews,   of  which 

200,000  are  in  complete  distress.    Monthly  expenditures, 

about 235,000.00 

(3)  The  district  of  Dombrow,  Czenstochau,  Bendzin,  Sosnowitz 

and  environs,  with  150,000  Jews,  of  which  75,000  are  in 

more  or  less  distress.     Monthly  expenditures,  about 12,000.00 

(4)  The  Polish  Goveoiment  Lomza,  with  75,000  Jews  (in  times 

of  peace  about  110,000  Jews),  of  which  40,000  are  in 

complete  distress.    Monthly  expenditures,  about 20,000.00 

Total  monthly  expenditures,  about M.  307,000 .  00 


84  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

II.    In  Lithuania. 

(1)  Wilna  and  its  environs,  with   125,000  Jews  (in  times  of 

peace,  210,000  Jews),  of  which  75,000  are  in  complete 

distress.    Monthly  expenditures  amount  to  about M.  120,000.00 

(2)  Kowno   and   its   environs,   with   75,000  Jews    (in  time  of 

peace,  215,000  Jews) — 50,000  in  complete  distress  (in- 
cluding the  district  of  Schaulen  and  environs).  Monthly 
expenditures,  about 30,000 .  00 

(3)  Grodno  and  environs,  with  150,000  Jews  (in  time  of  peace, 

200,000  Jews),  of  which  80,000  are  in  distress.    Monthly 

expenditures,  about 70,000.00 

(4)  Suwalki  and  environs,  with  60,000  Jews  (in  times  of  peace, 

85,000  Jews),  of  which  30,000  are  in  distress.    Monthly 

expenditures,  about 30,000 .00 

Total  monthly  expenditures,  about M.  250,000.00 

III.    Care  of  Refugees. 

A  separate  class  of  suffering  Jews  must  be  particularly  brought 
into  prominence.  There  are  some  whose  native  cities  have  been 
completely  destroyed  (as  Brest-Litowsk) ;  others  whose  native 
cities  are  near  the  firing  line  (as  Pinsk,  Slonim),  and  who  originate 
from  other  places  of  the  long  front  from  the  southern  part  of  Riga, 
down  to  Luzk.  These  homeless  Jews  are  poorly  sheltered  in  the 
various  townships,  particularly  in  the  Government  of  Grodno 
(Kobryn,  Antopol,  Bielsk,  Biala,  Ciechanowetz) ,  in  the  Governments 
of  Siedletz  and  Warsaw  (Lukow,  Radzyn,  Mienzyrzec),  and  also 
in  the  Government  of  Lomza  (mainly  in  Lomza  alone),  etc.  Their 
number  seems  to  be  about  30,000.  It  is  constantly  increasing  by 
the  restmiption  of  the  war  activities,  for  which  naturally  more 
districts  are  always  being  cleared.  These  evacuated  and  refugees 
need  particular  care.  Even  if  the  German  military  authorities 
show  them  some  consideration,  their  condition  is  still  very  sad  indeed: 
We  are  forming  a  special  organization  for  those  on  the  road.  During 
the  last  month,  the  expenditures  for  these  most  needy  amounted 
to  20,000  Marks. 

An  important  increase  in  this  sum  will  be  required  for  the 

following  months: 

.      POLAND. 

(Exclusive  of  Suwalki,  which  is  counted  to  Lithuania,  and  the  Austrian  districts, 
Government  of  Lublin,  Elielce,  Radom  and  part  of  Cholm). 

District  Date         Amount  Applied  to 

1.  Antopol April  18  M.2,000.00     District  poor. 

2.  Baranowitschi.  .  . .     Mar.  19  600.00     Free  distribution  of  provisions. 

April  11           600.00    Hospital   nursing   and   medical 
help.  


Jiidisches  Hilfskomiti  fur  Polen. 


85 


District 


Date         Amount 


Applied  to 


5. 


6. 


7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 

13. 

14. 
15. 

16. 


17. 


18. 
19. 
20. 


Bendzin. 
Baila. .  . 


Blaschki 

Bolimow April  14  500.00 

Brzeziny April  18  5,000.00 

Burzenin 1 

Szadek I  April  14  1,000.00 

Zloczew I 

Warta J 

Chorzale Mar.  19  2,000.00 

April  11  2,500.00 

Dobrzyn April    5  500.00 

April  14  .500.00 

Garwolin April  14  500.00 

Glowno April  14  500.00 

Gora  Kalwaria.. .  .     Mar.  19  2,000.00 

April  11  3,000.00 

Grajewo Mar.  19  2,000.00 

April  11  2,000.00 

Janow April  14  500.00 

Jezioma April  14  500.00 

Kalisch Mar.  16  600.00 

Mar.  19  4,000.00 


Mar.  19  M 

.1,000.00 

For  Talmud-Torah  (Kitchens). 

April  20 

500.00 

Jewish  Ladies'  Society. 

Mar.  10 

500.00 

Public  Kitchens. 

April  12 

1,000.00 

Public  Kitchens. 

2,000.00 

Refugees  from  Brest-Litowsk — 
for  Passover. 

500.00 

Passover  distribution. 

300.00 

Homeless  (except  Brest). 

Mar.  10 

500.00 

Brest  refugees. 

April  18 

500.00 

Cheap  Kitchens.  .250.00 
Cheap  Tea  Halls.  50.00 
Money  assistance.  200 .  00 

500.00 

Repairing  destroyed 

buildings 250.00 

Provisions  bought 250.00 

500.00 
Jewish  poor  kitchens. 

District  poor. 

Zloczew,  325.00  received. 

(Cheap  peoples'  kitchens). 
District  poor. 

District  poor  for  March. 

District  poor. 
District  poor. 
District  poor. 
District     poor.       Increase     for 

Passover. 
Provision  stores. 
Cheap  kitchens. 
Assistance  to  district  poor. 
District  poor. 
District  poor. 
Talmud-Torah  (kitchens). 


April  10 

10,000.00 

(Increase  for  Passover). 

Public  kitchens. 

Distribution  of  food  products  to 

the  poor. 
Asylimi  for  the  aged. 
Assistance  to  deserving  poor. 
Cash  loans. 
Girls'  home. 

Denominational  expenses. 
Matzos  for  Passover. 

21. 

Kobryn 

April  14 

600.00 

For  Passover  distribution. 

22. 

Konstantynow  .  .  . 

Mar. 

350.00 

District  poor. 

(near  Lodz) 

April 

350.00 

23. 

Kozminek 

,     April  18 

500.00 

District  poor. 

24. 

Kutno 

April  14 

2,000.00 

Public  kitchens. 
Tea  halls. 
Care  of  the  sick. 
Asylum  for  poor. 
Wives  of  reserves. 
Talmud-Torah. 
Ladies'  Society. 
Fighting  disease. 

86 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


District 

Date 

Amount 

Applied  to 

25. 

Lask  (near  Lodz).. 

March 
April 

M.  500.00 
500.00 

District  poor. 

26. 

Lodz 

Mar.  19 

7,500.00 

Benevolent  society. 

April  11 

25,000.00 

Benevolent  society. . .  15,000.00 

Chief  Rabbi  Triest- 
man  (separate  Pass- 
over kitchens .)....    6,500 .  00 

Passover  kitchens  for 
workmen 3,500.00 

25,000.00 

April  11 

900.00 

Passover  increase  for  environs. 

27. 

Lomianki 

April  18 

500.00 

District  poor  and  refugees. 

28. 

Lomza 

Mar.  19 
April  11 

3,000.00 
3,000.00 
2,000.00 

Extra  for  refugees. 

29.  Losize Mar.  19 

April  11 

30.  Lowicz April  14 

31.  Lukow Mar.  19 

April  11 

32.  Lutomirsk March 

(near  Lodz)  April 

33.  Maciejowice April  14 

34.  Miendzyrzec April  14 

35.  Mielnik April  18 

36.  Motol April  14* 

37.  Maczonow Mar.  19 


38.     Nowo-Miaste April  14 


500.00 

500.00 

500.00 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

500.00 
500.00 
500.00 

2,500.00 
525.00 
500.00 

1,000.00 


800.00 


39. 

Nowogrodek.. .  . 

.  .     Mar.  19 

2,000.00 

Mar.  30 

300.00 

April  11 

4,000.00 

40. 

Ostrolenka 

.  .     Mar.  19 

1,000.00 

April  11 

2,000.00 

41.  Ostrow 

42.  Ozarkow. . . 

(at  Lodz) 


April  18 

March 

April 


500.00 
600.00 
600.00 


Assistance  of  refugees  and  fam- 
ilies of  reserves,  assistance  of 
poor,  Talmud  -  Torah,  hos- 
pital, home  for  the  aged. 

District  poor. 

District  poor. 

Public  kitchens,  medical  help. 

Public  kitchens,  medical  help. 

Care  of  refugees. 

District  poor. 

District  poor. 
Refugees. 
District  poor. 
District  poor. 

Tea  halls 300.00 

Assistance     to     poor 

Jewish    population 

(sums  of  2-25  M.)       700.00 

1,000.00 

Public  kitchens 300 .  00 

Bread  and  food  dis- 
tribution     400.00 

For  poor  travelers 100 .  00 

800.00 

District  poor. 

For  workmen's  kitchens. 

(Increase  for  Passover.) 

District  poor  around  Ostrolenka. 

(Increase  for  Passover). 

JDistributed  in: 

Ostrolenka 500.00 

Myszyniec 250.00 

Goworowo 125.00 

Czerwin 125.00 

(March)    1,000.00 

District  poor  and  refugees. 

District  poor  and  refugees. 


Judisches  Hilfskomite  fur  Polen. 


87 


District 


Date         Amount 


Applied  to 


43.  Pabianice.  . 

(at  Lodz) 

44.  Pinsk 


March 

April 

Aprilie 


M. 


Mar.  14 

45.  Plock Mar.  19 

April  11 

46.  Praschnitz Mar.  19 

April  11 

47.  Pultusk Mar.  19 

April  11 


48.  Radzilow April  18 

49.  Radzymin April  17 

50.  Rozana April  18 


51.  Ryki April  14 

52.  Sakrotschim April  18 

53.  Shirardow April  18 

54.  Siedlec April  18 

55.  Sieradz Mar.  19 


April    3 

56.  Skierniewice Mar.  19 

57.  Slupca April  18 

58.  Sochaczew r .     April  14 


600.00 
600.00 
1,000.00 
1,000.00 
2,000.00 
1,000.00 
1,000.00 
1,900.00 
1,000.00 

1,900.00 
2,000.00 
4.000.00 


2,000.00 
4.000.00 


500.00 
1,000.00 

500.00 
1,000.00 


1,200.00 

500.00 
1,000.00 
2,000.00 
1,500.00 


2,000.00 

1,000.00 

300.00 

2,000.00 


District  poor  and  refugees. 

Public  schools. 
Public  kitchens. 
Assisting  district  poor. 
Distribution  of  food. 
Distribution  of  food. 
Distribution  of  food. 
Children's  home. 
Public  kitchens. 

District  poor. 

Distribution  of  bread,  potatoes, 

matzos  for  Passover,  religious 

schools. 

(Increase  for  Pass- . 
over). 

Cheap  kitchens 1,000.00 

Assistance  for  home- 
less        350.00 

"BaisLechem" 200.00 

Small  contributions.  .       450. (X) 


2,000.00 

District  poor. 

Kindergarten  for  refugees. 

Refugees  mainly. 

Children's  home  (soup 
kitchens  and  sick- 
nursing) 150.00 

Rehabilitating  refu- 
gees          95.00 

Brest  refugees 75 .  00 

Talmud-Torah 60 .  00 

Institution  for  in- 
valids          40.00 

Cheap  kitchens 580.00 

1,000.00 
District     poor,     refugees     and 

reserves. 
District  poor. 
District  poor. 
District  poor. 

Cash  contributions..  .  370,00 
Distribution  of  food. .  359 .  00 
Children's  home 771 .  00 


1,500.00 


District  poor,  for  Passover. 

District  poor,  for  Passover. 

District  poor,  distributed  on 

April  23 500.00 

Mayl 1,500.00 


2,000.00 


88 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


District 

Date 

Amount 

Applied  to 

59. 

Strykow 

March     ] 

M.    500.00 

District  poor. 

(near  Lodz) 

April 

600.00 

60. 

Szczuczyn  Lomza. 

Mar.  19 

5.000.00 

April  11 

10,000.00 

Increase  for  Passover. 

Distributed   around   Szczuczyn 

m: 

Szczuczyn, 

Wonsocz, 

Gonionds, 

Rajgrod. 

61. 

Tomaschow 

April  18 

2,000.00 

District  poor,  refugees 

62. 

Tuschyn 

April  18 

500.00 

Children's  kitchens.. . 
Sanitary  Commission. 
Wives  of  reserves. .  .  . 
District  poor 

250.00 

100.00 

50.00 

100.00 

500.00 

63. 

Warki 

April  14 

1,000.00 

District  poor. 

64. 

Wischkow 

April  14 

1,000.00 

Refugees  from  Pinsk. 

65. 

Wiskitki 

April  14 

500.00 

District  poor. 

66. 

Wlodawa 

April  18 

2,000.00 

Cheap  kitchens. 
Care  of  refugees. 

70. 

Zelaw 

March 

400.00 

District  poor. 

(near  Lodz) 

April 

400.00 

71. 

Zgierz 

March 

500.00 

District  poor. 

(near  Lodz) 

April 

500.00 

72. 

Alexandrowo 

Mar.    9 

1,000.00 

District  poor.     Extra  for  com- 

(near Lodz) 

Mar. 
April 

250.00 
250.00 

bating  diseases. 

73. 

For    frontier    dis- 

Mar. 19 

2,000.00 

Distributed  in  these  cities: 

trict  at  Thorn. 

,     Alexandrowo. 

• 

April  11 

2,000.00 

Ciechocinek, 

Kutno, 

Nieszawa, 

Piotrkowo, 

Radziejewo, 

Sierpc, 

Sluzewo, 

for  their  district 

poor  and 

public  kitchens. 

74.  Districts    of    Sos- 

nowitz,  Czensto- 

chau,     Dombro- 

wa,  etc Mar.  19      10,000 .  00 

April  11  15,000.00 
April  18       9,721.34 

75.  For  small  places  at 

the  front April  18  300 .  00 

76.  For  small  places  in 

the  district  of  the 

Bug- Army April  10       3..  100 .  00 

7.7.     Environs  of  War- 
saw      April  11        5,000.00 


(Increase  for  Passover). 
For  food  in  these  districts. 


Judisches  HilfskomiU  fur  Polen. 


89 


District 


Date 


Amount 


Applied  to 


78.     Warsaw. 


Mar.  16M.40,000.00 
Mar.  28  13,661.35 
Mar.  25  250,000.00 
Aprilll  25,000.00 
April  26       1,500.00 


M.  568,307.69 
1,000.00 

M.  569.307.69 


Society  of  Jewish  authors. 
(Increase  for  Passover). 

For  school  kitchens. 


From  this,  paid  out  for  March., . 
From  this,  paid  out  for  April..  .  . 


117,261.35 
452,046.34 

M.  569,307.69 


Expended  in  May. 


1.  Antop©l M.  2,000.00 

2.  Baranowitschi 600.00 

3.  Blaschki 500.00 

4.  Bolimow 500.00 

5.  Chorzele 2,500*.  00 

6.  Dobrzyn 500.00 

7.  Garwolin 500.00 

8.  Glowno 500.00 

9.  Gora-Kalwaria 2,000 .00 

10.  Jezioma 500.00 

11.  Kutno 2,000.00 

12.  Lodz  and  vicinity 14,100 .00 

13.  Lomza 5,000 .00 

14.  Losize 500.00 

15.  Lowicz 500.00 

16.  Lukow 5,000 .00 

17.  Maciejowice 500.00 

18.  Miendzyrzec 3,500 .  00 

19.  Motol 500.00 

20.  Msczonow 1,000.00 

21.  Nowo-Miaste 800.00 

22.  Nowogrodek 2,000 .00 

23.  Ostrolenka 1,000 .00 

24.  Plock 1,000.00 

25.  Praschnitz 6,000 .00 

26.  Janow 500.00 

27.  Pultusk 2,000.00 

28.  Radzymin 1,500 .00 

29.  Ryki 1,200.00 

30.  Sieradz 2,500 .00 

31.  Sochaczew ,.  .  .  .  2,000 .  00 

32.  Swislotz 1,500.00 

33.  Szczuczyn 5,000 .00 

34.  Grajewo 2,000.00 


35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 
42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 
50. 
51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
60. 


61. 
62. 


Warsaw M.200,000.00 

Warsaw  district 5,000 .  00 

Warki 1,000.00 

Wischkow 1,000 .00 

Wiskitki 500.00 

Wsielub 1,500.00 

Wyszogrod 1,000 .00 

Zdunska-Wola 1,500 .  00 

Kozminek 500 .00 

Mielnik 500.00 

Ostrow 500.00 

Radzilow 500.00 

Rozana 1,000.00 

Sakrotschim 500.00 

Shirardow 1,000 .00 

Siedletz 2,000.00 

Tomaschow 4,000 .  00 

Tuschyn 500.00 

Wlodawa 2,000.00 

Kaluschyn 1,000 .00 

Parzonczow 500 .00 

Skierniewice 1,000.00 

Slupca 300.00 

Kalisch 6,000.00 

Districts  of    Czensto- 

chau,         Sosnowice, 

Bendzin,  Dombrowa, 

etc 10,000.00 

Frontier  district  near 

Thorn 2,000.00 

Points  in  territory  of 

Army  of  Bug  River .  5,000 .  00 

M.  322,000.00 


90  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

LITHUANIA. 

(Including  Kurland  and  Polish  Government  Suwalki). 

(Upper-East). 


District 

March 

April 

Applied  to 

1. 

Augustowo 

M.  1.000. 00  M.  1,000.00 

2. 

Bakalarzewo 

1,000.00 

1,250.00 

(Increased  for  Passover). 

a 

Bialystok 

20,000.00 

4. 

Bielica 

1,000.00 

5. 

Bielsk 

'5,666.66 

7,500.00 

(Increased    for    Passover),    for 

Bielsk;  Bocki,  Orla. 

6. 

Bitten 

1,000.00 

1,000.00 

7. 

Bocki 

See  Bielsk. 

8. 

Briansk 

1,566.66 

1,566.66 

9 

Dereczyn 

Filipowo 

1,000  00 

10. 

1,000.00 

1,250.00 

(Increased  for  Passover). 

11. 

Gerwjaty 

See  Womjany. 

V?, 

Girtakol 

Grodno 

See  Rossienie. 
March  distribution: 

13. 

10,000.00 

15,000.00 

(Increased  for      Deserving  poor...  M. 

2,400.00 

Passover) 

Children's  home. .  . 
Home  for  the  aged. 
Kitchens    for    the 

poor 

Talmud  Torah  and 

300.00 
1,875.00 

1,850.00 

Yeschiboth 

Society     for     Sick 

Nursing 

Families  of  reserves 
Distribution        0  f 

wood 

Distribution        0  f 

bread 

Suburb: 

Kitchens  for  the 
poor 

Distribution      of 
wood 

Distribution      of 
bread 

Sick-nursing 

M. : 

625.00 

240.00 
750.00 

500.00 

750.00 

375.00 

125.00 

150.00 
60.00 

10,000.00 

14 

Indura 

500.00 

For  refugees. 

15. 

Iwje 

500.00 

500.00 

16. 

Kalwaria 

500.00 

500.00 

17 

Karelitze 

500.00 

For  refugees. 

18. 

Kielmy 

Knysdiyn 

500.00 

.500.00 

19. 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

20. 

Kowno  and  Slo- 
botka 

15,000.00 

300.00 

Talmud-Torah  (kitchens'). 

15,000.00 

21. 

Lunno    -    Wola 
(Krynki) 

1,000.00 

Judisches  Hiljskomite  fur  Polen. 


91 


District 


March 


April 


Applied  to 


22.     Libau. 


42. 


43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 


M.  4,000 . 00     For  City  of  Libau..  M.  1,500 . 00 
Goldingen  and  small 
places     in     the 
vicinity  of  Libau. . .    2,500 .  00 

M.  4,000.00 


23. 

Lida 

..M.  3,000.00 

3,000.00 

24. 

Mariampol. . . 

500.00 

500.00 

25. 

Olschany 

500.00 

500.00 

26. 

Orany 

500.00 
400.00 

500.00 

Through  Rabbi  Sally  Levi  extra 
for  Passover. 

500.00 

1,000.00 

27 

Orla. ......... 

Osjory 

See  Bielsk. 

28. 

500.00 

?.9 

Oszmiana.  .  .  . 

1,200.00 

Additional     expense,     doubled 
because  of  Passover: 

1,200.00 

5,000.00 

Jewish       public 

kitchens M.  3,700.00 

Teachers  of  Jewish 

schools 200.00 

Jewish  district  poor      800 .  00 

Deserving  poor. ...       100 .  00 

Other  help 200.00 

M.  5,000.00 

30 

Pojurze 

500.00 

31. 

Preny 

500.00 

500.00 

32. 

Pruzana 

1,500.00 

1,500.00 

33. 

Punsk 

1,000.00 

1,250.00 

(Increased  for  Passover). 

34 

Rossienie 

See  frontier  districts   of   Lith- 

uania. 

35. 

Simno 

500.00 

500.00 

36. 

Skaudwile 

500.00 

Extra   amount   placed   at   dis- 

posal, special  for  refugees. 

500.00 

District  poor. 

500.00 

District  poor. 

37. 

Skidel 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

' 

38. 

Slonim 

2,000.00 

2,000.00 

39. 

Sokolka 

5,000.00 

Cheap  kitchens,  distribution  of 

food. 

40. 

Sopozkin 

1,000.00 

41. 

Suchowola — 

• 

1,000.00 

Small  contributions. .  M.  856. 00 
Talmud-Torah     (kit- 
chens)        144.00 

Suwalki 10,000.00  15,000.00 

Sweksznie 300 .  00  300 .  00 

Swenzjany 500.00  520.00 

Szczuczyn  Wilna     500.00 

Schereschowo 1,000.00 

Trostiany 500.00 

SsSiki'''::}     1.200.00  1,200.00 


M.  1,000.00 

(Increased  for  Passover),  mainly 
for  public  kitchens,  exclusive 
of  sufferers  in  the  district. 


92  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


District  March  April  Applied  to 

50.     Wilna M.  100,000.00 

5,000.00     For  Israel  public  hospital. 

M.  100,000. 00 

5,000.00     For  Israel  public  hospital. 
Distribution: 

For       general 

charity.. M.  10,000.00 

Public  kitchens 
and  children's 
kitchens 29,140.00 

Asylum  for  chil- 
dren   4,855.00 

Nourishment  for 
poor  school  chil- 
dren       5,350.00 

Assisting  the  na- 
tive poor  fam- 
ilies and  pro- 
viding for  poor 
orphans 28,020.00 

Sick  nursing 3,402.00 

Furnishing  work. .      3,510.00 

Jewish  Relief  Com- 
mittee for  refu- 
gees and  war 
sufferers 10,433.00 

Institution  for  the 

aged... 5,290.00 


M.  100,000.00 

6,000.00       6,000.00     Extra  allowance  to  provide  for 
the  aged. 

51.  Wisainy 1 ,000 .  00        1,250 .  00     (Increased  for  Passover) . 

52.  Wolkowysk 2,000.00       4,000.00     (Increased  for  Passover). 

Distributed  in  the  cities  around : 

Wolkowysk M.  400.00 

Isabelin 150.00 

Lapenica 150.00 

Mosty 300.00 

Pieski 300.00 

Ros 300.00 

Sielwa 400.00 


M.  2,000.00 

53.  Wornjany Seye  Environs  of  Wilna. 

54.  Woronow 500.00 

55.  Zaludek 500. 00     District  poor  and  refugees. 

56.  Environs   of 

Schaulen 5,000 .  00      10,000 .  00     Increased  for  Passover. 

54.  Environs   of    ' 

Kowno 6,000.00      11,000.00     Increased  for  Passover. 

2,818.25 

55.  Environs   of 

Wihia 5,000.00      10,000.00     Increased  for  Passover. 


Judisches  HilfskomiU  fur  Polen. 


93 


District 


March 


April 


Applied  to 


56.     Frontier  districts 

of  Lithuania.  .M.  10,000. OOM.  10,000. 00 

1,800.00 


Clothing  and  food  for  school 
children  distributed  in 
Districts  of: 

Telsze M.  2,000.00 

Wladislawow 1 ,000 .  00 

Pojurze 800.00 

Rossienie 800.00 

Kalvaria 700.00 

Siady 800.00 

Oszmiana 300.00 

Rajgrod 300.00 

Mariampol 500.00 

Raczki 300.00 

Womy 200.00 

Retowo 200.00 

Janow 200.00 

Przerosli 100.00 

Augustow 800.00 

Divers       small 

charities 1,000.00 


M.  10.000.00 


M.  226,600.00   263,138.25 


Expended  in  May. 


1.  Alekszyce M.  200.00  27. 

2.  Augustowo 1,000 .00  28. 

3.  Bialystok 20  000 .00  29. 

4.  Bielsk 5,000.00  30. 

5.  Bitten s.  1,000.00  31. 

6.  Briansk. 1,500 .00  32. 

7.  Dereczyn 1,000.00  33. 

8.  Bielica 1,000 .00  34. 

9.  Eischischok 500 .00  35. 

10.  Gorshdy 300.00  36. 

11.  Grodek 500.00  37. 

12.  Grodno. 10,000 .00  38. 

13.  Indura 500 .00  39. 

14.  Iwje 500.00  40. 

15.  Kalwaria 500.00  41. 

16.  Karelitze 500 .00  42. 

17.  Kovno  and  Slobotka.  15,000.00  43. 

18.  Knyschvn 1,500 .00  44. 

19.  Lida 3,000 .00  45. 

20.  Lipnitzky 500 .00  46. 

21.  Lunno-Wola 1,000.00  47. 

22.  Kielmy 500.00  48. 

23.  Mariampol 500.00  49. 

24.  Merecz 1,200.00  50. 

25.  Mischinietz 500 .00  51. 

26.  Mosheiki 200.00  52. 


Narevka M. 1,000. 00 

Niemokszty 300 .00 

Nowy-Dwor 500 .00 

Olita 1,000.00 

Olschany 500.00 

Orany 500.00 

Osery 500.00 

Oszmiana 2,500.00 

Pojurze 500.00 

Preny 500.00 

Pruzana 1,500.00 

Sereje 500.00 

Siemiatysze 500 .  00 

Skidel 2,000.00 

Skaudwile 500.00 

Simno..., 500.00 

Slonim 2,000.00 

Sokolka 5,000.00 

Sopozkin 1,000.00 

Suchowola 1,000.00 

Suwalkiand  vicinity.  14,000.00 

Sweksznie 300.00 

Swenzjany..: 1,000.00 

Szczuczyn 1,000.00 

Schereschewo 1 ,000 .  00 

Schtabin 500.00 


94  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

53.  Traby M.   200 .00  63.     Wysoko-Dwor M.1,000 .00 

54.  Troki-Nowe 1,500 .00  64.     Zdzienciol 1,000 .00 

55.  Trostiany 500.00  65.     Zosle 800.00 

56.  Upino 300.00  66.  Vicinity  of  Kowno.  . .  .      1,935 .00 

57.  Wilkomir 500 .00  67.  Vicinity  of  Schaulen. .      5,000 .00 

58.  Wilkowischki  and  Pil-  68.  Vicinity  of     Wilna...      5,000.00 

wischki 1,200.00  69.  Frontier     section     of 

59.  Wilna 111,000 .00  Lithuania 10,000 .00 

60.  Wolkowysk 2,000 .00  

61.  Womjanv 750.00  '  M.  251,185.00 

62.  Woronow 500 .00  


On  April  11,  1916,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Joint  Distribution  Com- 
mittee, attention  was  directed  to  some  inquiries  that  had  been 
received  as  to  the  relief  that  was  being  given  to  some  of  the  smaller 
cities  in  the  neighborhood  of  Wilna,  etc. 

In  reply  to  the  inquiry  that  was  sent  in  response  to  these  com- 
plaints, the  following  report  has  been  received,  which  also  includes 
a  detailed  statement  of  amounts  granted  for  relief  in  the  157  cities 
mentioned  and  the  dates  on  which  such  relief  was  paid  out. 

ABSTRACT  OF  A  REPORT  FROM  THE  HILFSVEREIN  DER 
DEUTSCHEN  JUDEN,  BERLIN. 

Permit  us  to  reply  the  following  to  the  letters  of  April  12th  and 
of  April  17th  from  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee,  New  York: 

(1)  Generally:  Naturally,  we  receive  hundreds  upon  hundreds  of 
requests  from  Poland  which  ask  us  to  wire  America  for  some  special  relief 
for  this  or  that  town.  Up  till  now,  we  have  not  passed  them  on,  nor  do 
we  expect  to  do  so  in  the  future.  However,  it  is  an  entirely  different  matter 
with  the  Consulate  which  does  forward  these  requests  to  America. 

(2)  Special:  Of  the  places  mentioned,  Merecz  receives  the  monthly 
assistance  of  M.  1,200. 

The  name  "Bisokedsor"  should  really  be  "Wysokodwor."  This  city 
receives  M.  1,000  from  us  per  month. 

Up  to  this  time  we  did  not  have  direct  access  to  Olkeniki.  It  is  prob- 
able, however,  that  various  cities  which  have  been  instructed  by  us,  from 
time  to  time,  to  relieve  Olkeniki,  did  do  so.  In  any  case,  we  shall  inves- 
tigate this,  but  it  is  self-evident  that  even  Olkeniki  can  only  be  relieved 
according  to  the  amount  of  resources  on  hand,  and  in  proportion  to  the 
urgency  of  its  need. 

Ciechanowice,  especially  the  refugees  there,  will  be  aided  through 
Bielsk,  the  chief  city  of  the  district. 

Belchatow  does  not  receive  anything  directly  from  us.  During  the 
last  few  months  we  did  not  consider  it  necessary,  since,  through  our  inter- 
vention, M.  5,000  reached  there  from  America  for  the  poor. 

Siemiatysze  receives  M.  500  per  month. 


Jiidlsches  Hilfskomite  ftir  Polen. 


95 


Uf  course,  there  arc  still  some  towns  with  which  we  have  not  yet 
been  able  to  establish  any  working  communication.  We  are  taking  great 
pains,  however,  even  soliciting  the  aid  of  the  Catholic  and  Evangelical 
field  priests,  to  approach  even  the  smallest  communities. 

The  greater  the  area  our  organization  covers,  the  more  certain  it 
becomes  that  the  towns  that  are  in  need  will  be  reached.  But  the  spread 
of  our  organization  threatens  to  be  checked  by  the  new  demands,  which 
as  you  must  know,  are  coming  from  America.  We  shall  not  permit  these 
demands  upon  the  organization  to  hinder  us  very  much  in  the  future. 
Meanwhile,  we  shall  try  to  spread  the  net  of  our  organization  farther  and 
farther.  We  return  the  Appendix  herewith.  We  shall  also  consider  the 
cities  of  Belchatow  and  Olkeniki  in  the  list  of  those  towns  which  are  directly 
aided  by  us,  and  we  shall  send  you  further  report  concerning  these  matters. 

HILFSVEREIN  DER  DEUTSCHEN  JUDEN. 


Expended. 


April  28— 

Bialystok M.  600.00 

Bielica 1,000.00 

Warsaw  and  Kovno 250 .  00 

Libau  and  environs 4,000.00 

Warschau 1,500.00 

May  2— 

Warschau 200,000.00 

Dereczyn 1,000.00 

Zdzienciol 1,0(X).00 

May  4— 

Districts  on  the  front  of..  5,000 . 00 

Environs  of  Wilna 11 ,000 .  00 

Schaulen  and  environs. .  .  5,000.00 

Lodz  and  environs 14,100.00 

Border  districts  of  Litau.  10,000 .  00 
Districts  of  Czenstochau, 

Sosnowitz,  etc 10,000.00 

Places  near  the  boundary.  2,000.00 

May  5 — 

Traby 200.00 

Bialystok 20,000.00 

Grodno 10,000.00 

Suwalki 14,000.00 

Wolkowak 2,000.00 

Bielsk 5,000.00 

Wilna 105,000.00 

May  6— 

Antopol 2,000.00 

Baranowitschi 600.00 

Blaschki ^....  500.00 

Bolimow 500.00 

Chorzele 2,500.00 

Dobrzyn 500.00 

Garwolin 500.00 


May  6 — Continued — 

Glowno M.  500.00 

Gora-Kalwaria 2,000 .  00 

Jezioma 500.00 

Kutno 2,000.00 

Lomza 3,000 .  00 

Losize 500.00 

Lowitsch 500.00 

Lukow 2,000.00 

Maciejowice 500.00 

M  iendzyrace  for  refugees.  3 ,  500 .  00 

Motol 500.00 

Msczcnow 1,000.00 

Neustadt 900.00 

Nowogrodek 2,000.00 

Ostrolenka 1,000.00 

Plock 1,000.00 

Praschnitz 6,000.00 

Janow. .' 500.00 

Pultusk 2,000.00 

Radzymin 1,500.00 

Ryki 1.200.00 

Sieradz 1,500.00 

Sochaczew 2,000.00 

Szczuczyn 5,000.00 

Grajowo 2,000.00 

Warki 1,000.00 

Wischkow 1,000.00 

Wiskitki 500.00 

Wsielub 1,500.00 

Wyszogrod 1,000.00 

Zdunska-Wola 1,500 .  00 

Kozminek 500.00 

Miehiik 500.00 

Ostrow 500.00 

Radzilow 500.00 

Rozana 1,000.00 

Sakrotschim 500 .  00 

Shirardow 1,000 .  00 


96 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


May  6 — Continued — 

Siedloc M.2,000.00 

Tomaschow 4,000.00 

Tuschyn 500.00 

Woodawa 2,000.00 

Kaluschyn 1,000.00 

Parczonsow 500.00 

Skiemiewice 1,000.00 

Slupca 300.00 

Kalisch 6,000.00 

May  9— 

Wilna 8,000.00 

Lukow,  for  refugees 3,000.00 

Lomza,  for  refugees 2,000.00 

Swislotz 1,500.00 

Sieradz,  about. 1,000.00 

Province   of   the    Bug — 

army 5,000.00 

May  15 — 

Kowno  and  environs 1,935.00 

Expended  for  Matzoh ....  11, 131. 80 

May  16— 

Maciejowice 500.00 

Dobrzyn 500.00 

May  17— 

Kowno  and  environs 6,872.95 

Alekszyce 200.00 

Augustowo 1,000.00 

Bitten 1,000.00 

Briansk 1,500.00 

Dereczyn  and  Zdziencio  .  12,000 .  00 

Eischischok 500.00 

Gorshdy 300.00 

Grodek 500.00 

Indura  and  Karelite 1,000 .  00 

Iwje 500.00 

Kalwaria 500.00 

Knyschyn 1,500.00 

Lida 3,000.00 

Lipnitzky 500 .  00 

Krynki-Lunno 1.000.00 

Kielmy 500.00 

Mariampol 500 .  00 

Merecz 1,200.00 

Olita 1,000.00 

Orany 500.00 

Mischinietz 300.00 

Mosheiki 200.00 

Narevka 1,000.00 

Niemokszty 300.00 

Nowy-Dwor 500.00 


May  17 — Continued — 

Olschany M.  500.00 

Osery 500.00 

Pszmiana 2,500.00 

Pojurze 500.00 

Preny 500.00 

Pruzana 1,500.00 

Sereje 500.00 

Siemiatysze 500 .  00 

Skidel 2,000.00 

SkaudwiU 500.00 

Simno 500.00 

Slonim 2,000.00 

Sokolka 5,000.00 

Sopozkin 1,000.00 

Suchowola 1,000.00 

Sweksznie 300.00 

Swenzjany 1,000.00 

Sczuczyn  and  Zaludek ...  1 ,000 .  00 

Schereschow 1,000.00^ 

Schtabin 500.00 

Troki-Nowe 1,500.00 

.Trostiany 500.00 

Upino 300.00 

Wilkomir... 500.00 

Wilkowischki     and     Pil- 

wischki 1,200.00 

Wornjany 750.00 

Woronow 500.00 

Wyscko-Dwor 1,000.00 

Zozle 800.00 

Bielica 1,000.00 

Kowno  and  Slobotka. .  .  .  15,000.00 


May  22— 

Kalisch '    600.00 

Wilna 20,000.00 

Lodz 500.00 

May  23— 

Wolpa 1,000.00 

Podbrodzie,  for  refugees. .  1 ,000 .  00 

Brzostowica-Wielka 300.00 

Lithuania  frontier 500 .  00 

Miendzyrzec 1,000 .  00 

For  provisions 17,301 .50 

Warschau,  for  food  and 
clothing  for  school  chil- 
dren  136,613.25 

May  25— 

Warsaw 7,080.00 

Total M.795,434.60 


Relief  Committee  of  Warsaw  Community. 


97 


REPORT  OF  WARSAW  COMMITTEE. 

In  addition  to  the  work  of  the  Judisches  Hilfskomit^  fur  Polen, 
we  are  able  to  report  on  the  work  accomplished  by  the  Relief  Com- 
mittee of  the  Warsaw  Jewish  Community  from  August,  1914,  to 
December,  1915.  This  committee  is  known  officially  as  follows: 
Komisja  nienienia  pomocy  zyden  ofiardom-Wojny  w  Krolesture  Polskiem 
przy  Zarzodzia  Warsawskiej  Gminy  Starozakounich.  (The  Committee 
for  the  Relief  of  Jewish  Sufferers  of  the  War  in  the  Kingdom  of 
Poland  under  the  control  and  supervision  of  the  Warsaw  Jewish 
Community.)     The  report  is  as  follows: 

In  August,  1914,  the  Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw  organized  the  Com- 
mittee for  the  Relief  of  the  Jewish  Victims  of  the  War.  The  Relief  Committee 
consists  of  seven  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Jewish  Community 
of  Warsaw  and  of  twelve  other  members  of  the  general  Warsaw  community,  as 
follows: 

Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw,  and 
Chairman  of  the  Relief  Committee. 

Member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the 
Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw,  and 
Treasurer  of  the  Relief  Committee. 


1.    Dr.  Stanislav  Natanson, 


2.    M.  Rundstein. 


3.  Rechtsanwalt  Julius  Cohn 

4.  L.  Davidson 

5.  D.  S.  Meyerson 

6.  Joel  Wegmeister 

7.  Ing.  A.  Weisblat 

8.  Rechtsanwalt  W.  Brockmann 

9.  Consul  Bol.  Eiger 

10.  H.  Farbstein 

11.  Hermann  Ginsberg 

12.  Dr.  S.  Goldflam 

13.  M.  Grodzienski 


Members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw. 

14.  Sigis.  Heilperin 

15.  Rechtsanwalt  R.  Kempner 

16.  Dr.  M.  Klummel 

17.  Rechtsanwalt  L.  Lichtenbaum 

18.  A.  Podhszewski 

19.  Ing.  F.  Wislicki 


The  Relief  Committee  was  originally  organized  for  the  moral  and  legal 
protection  of  the  Jews  while  the  Russian  troops  passed  through  on  the  way  to 
the  Western  front.  But  very  soon  thereafter,  in  September,  1914,  the  heavy 
task  devolved  upon  it  of  providing  shelter  and  the  necessaries  of  life  for  the 
great  numbers  of  Jews  expelled  from  innumerable  villages  and  towns  in  the 
vicinity  of  Warsaw. 

There  were  from  80,000  to  100,000  Jewish  refugees  in  Warsaw.  There 
were  also  no  fewer  than  80,000  refugees  in  capital  cities  like  Lublin,  Petrokov, 
Kielce  and  Radom.  All  told,  there  were  at  least  200,000  Jewish  exiles,  who 
became  beggars  perforce  when  they  were  expelled  from  their  homes.  The 
Relief  Committee  has  done  everything  within  its  power  to  ease  the  suffering 
incident  to  the  expulsions,  and  has  often  succeeded — even  when  its  intercession 
resulted  only  in  staving  off  expulsions  for  a  few  days.  Such  a  boon  made  it 
possible  for  the  exiles  to  realize  something  on  their  effects. 

Through  our  legal  division,  we  secured  permission  to  send  representatives 
to  various  localities,  with  authoritv  to  seal  household  effects  and  merchandise 


98  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

on  behalf  of  the  owners,  or  to  ship  such  property  into  Warsaw.  Thousands  of 
famiHes  were  thus  saved  from  ruin. 

We  also  secured  permission,  in  some  instances,  to  send  conveyances  for 
the  exiles,  so  that  the  sick,  the  aged,  the  cripples  and  the  children  were  not  com- 
pelled to  go  on  foot.  Shelter  and  food  had  to  be  provided  for  the  homeless 
ones  with  all  haste.  This  branch  of  the  work  was  carried  on  by  a  special  com- 
mittee under  the  chairmanship  of  Consul  B.  Eiger.' 

In  the  shelters  provided  for  the  refugees,  lodgings  were  given  1,319,224 
times,  and  4,299,700  rations  served,  at  a  cost  of  432,678.64  roubles  up  to  December 
31,  1916.  The  special  committee  in  charge  of  this  work  made  no  requisition 
on  the  main  Relief  Committee  for  funds. 

The  refugees'  shelters  coiild  not  accommodate  more  than  10,000  persons 
at  a  time.  The  rest  had  to  be  assisted  with  money.  The  number  of  those 
who  could  not  be  accommodated  in  the  shelters  increased  rapidly,  and  soon 
reached  over  30,000  absolutely  penniless  and  homeless  people.  As  the  resources 
of  the  Warsaw  Committee  were  utterly  inadequate  to  cope  with  the  frightful 
distress,  we  turned  to  the  Relief  Committee  of  the  Grand  Duchess  Tatyana, 
and  received  as  a  first  grant  50,000  roubles.  (Up  to  date,  we  have  received 
185,000  roubles  from  that  committee.)  At  the  same  time  we  appealed  to  the 
Central  Jewish  Relief  Committee  at  Petrograd,  and  received  from  them  grants 
that  averaged  about  150,000  roubles  a  month — 739,520  roubles  all  told.  These 
funds  permitted  us  to  allow  15  kopeks  daily  to  each  of  the  30,000  refugees.  Later, 
as  the  number  of  refugees  increased,  we  had  to  cut  down  the  allowance  to  10 
kopeks,  and  finally  to  5  kopeks.  Even  at  that  rate,  we  spent  the  immense  sum 
of  768,011.49  roubles  up  to  January  1,  1916.  The  relief  so  afforded  was  obviously 
insufficient,  but  the  Jews  of  Warsaw — and  particularly  the  poorer  classes — 
hastened  to  the  relief  of  the  unfortunates  with  free  lodgings,  meals,  etc. 

The  distribution  of  relief  was  managed  through  sixty  especially  organized 
local  committees.  The  refugees  of  each  town  elected  their  own  committee. 
These  town  committees  drew  up  lists  of  the  needy,  submitted  them  once  a  week 
to  the  Warsaw  Relief  Committee,  received  an  allowance,  and  distributed  the 
funds  to  the  persons  on  their  lists.  This  was  the  only  way  in  which  the  com- 
plicated task  could  be  handled,  and  the  funds  fairly  distributed. 

The  Warsaw  Relief  Committee  in  the  meantime  kept  in  touch  with  the 
provincial  capitals — Lublin,  Kielce,  Radom  and  so  on.  Local  committees  were 
organized  in  each  city  in  accordance  with  a  plan  furnished  by  us,  and  received 
all  the  funds  we  were  able  to  command. 

When  hostages  were  taken  in  Kielce,  Radom,  etc.,  and  sent  to  inner  Russia, 
we  tried  to  have  the  orders  changed  by  presenting  petitions  to  the  authorities. 
We  were  often  able  to  secure  some  modifications. 

In  June,  1915,  all  Jews  in  Warsaw  who  were  not  permanent  residents  and 
who  had  come  there  during  the  war,  were  to  be  expelled.  We  interceded,  and 
obtained  permission  to  issue  certificates  to  the  destitute  and  homeless  refugees 
enabling  them  to  remain.  Within  four  days,  40,000  of  these  certificates  were 
issued. 

Our  legal  section  worked  out  a  detailed  form,  on  the  basis  of  which  our 
representatives  in  the  provinces  drew  up  reports  on  the  losses  and  damage  incurred 
directly  through  the  war  and  through  other  causes. 

The  Warsaw  Committee  urged  the  relief  committees  in  the  provinces, 
through  the  newspapers,  to  appoint  sub-committees  to  estimate  loss  and  damage. 


Relief  Committee  of  Warsaw  Community,  99 

Our  efforts  were  not  unavailing.  In  the  single  province  of  Lublin  we  were 
able  to  establish  losses  amounting  to  2,390,000  roubles.  In  Warsaw  alone 
refugees  filed  770  statements  on  loss  and  damage  with  us.  This  work  was  inter- 
rupted for  a  time,  but  has  now  been  resumed. 

In  April,  1915,  when  the  authorities  were  furnishing  workingmen  with 
free  railway  tickets  to  parts  of  Russia  where  well-paid  employment  was  to  be 
had,  we  managed  to  secure  permission  through  the  Central  Citizens'  Committee 
to  issue  certificates  entitling  the  holders  to  free  railway  tickets.  2,300  persons 
availed  themselves  of  our  certificates. 

In  spite  of  very  intensive  efforts,  the  Warsaw  Relief  Committee  could 
not  meet  all  the  requirements  of  every  phase  of  the  situation.  Other  charity 
organizations  were  encouraged  to  take  the  initiative  in  particular  directions, 
and  the  Relief  Committee  supported  their  efforts  as  far  as  it  was  able. 

In  this  way  there  were  established  many  homes,  shelters  and  primary 
schools  where  the  children  were  fed  as  well  as  taught. 

Since  September,  1914,  the  relief  society  "Ezra"  has  been  establishing 
public  kitchens,  where  as  many  as  20,000  meals  are  furnished  daily.  We  have 
continually  subsidized  the  "Ezra"  kitchens.  We  have  also  organized  small 
societies  and  circles  for  the  distribution  of  warm  clothing,  for  supplying  medical 
aid,  providing  bread  either  below  cost  or  gratis,  etc.,  and  have  granted  what 
funds  we  could  afford. 

A  most  important  activity — the  establishment  of  workrooms  for  refugee 
artisans — was  undertaken  by  the  "Gesellschaft  zur  Forderung  derlandwiitschaft- 
lichen  und  Handwerksarbeit  zwischen  den  Juden  im  Konigreich  Polen  (Society 
for  the  Promotion  of  Agriculture  and  Industry  among  the  Jews  of  the  Kingdom 
of  Poland).  Within  a  very  brief  period  workshops  for  shoemakers,  tailors, 
saddlers  and  seamstresses  were  in  operation,  where  over  300  persons  earned 
from  1  to  3  roubles  a  day. 

In  August,  1914,  a  Commission  on  Hygiene  was  organized,  and  has 
rendered  invaluable  service  to  the  woimded  on  the  battlefields  through  the 
men  and  women  working  under  its  supervision.  This  Commission  spent 
137,219.97  up  to  the  time  it  was  disbanded.  A  special  report  on  its  work  is  in 
preparation. 

The  Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw  opened  a  hospital  with  200  beds  for 
woimded  soldiers  and  officers  in  August,  1914.  The  entire  staff,  from  the 
physicians  down,  was  Jewish.  Up  to  July  1,  1915,  when  it  was  dismantled, 
the  cost  of  the  hospital  was  52,953.24  roubles,  aside  from  contributions  of 
supplies. 

Both  the  Commission  on  Hygiene  and  the  hospital  were  non-sectarian 
in  their  service — which  made  a  very  favorable  impression  on  the  Russian 
public. 

The  activities  of  the  Warsaw  Relief  Committee  developed  in  the  foregoing 
manner  until  August  5,  1915,  the  date  of  the  German  occupation.  We  cannot 
refrain  from  mentioning  the  fact  that  only  our  chief  activities  are  indicated 
here.  Much  effort  and  striving  cannot  even  be  designated,  because  of  lack  of 
results. 

Since  August,  1915,  the  form  of  our  activity  has  been  changed.  We  have 
been  sending  the  refugees  away  from  Warsaw;  that  is,  thousands  and  thousands 
are  assisted  to  return  to  their  former  homes.  We  provide  free  railway  trans- 
portation and  funds  sufficient  for  living  expenses  for  the  first  three  or  four  weeks 


100  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

and  for  the  most  necessary  household  furnishings.  We  have  sent  our  repre- 
sentatives to  the  most  impoverished  places  to  open  public  kitchens  and  tea-rooms, 
and  to  organize  local  committees  to  conduct  the  work.  The  local  committees 
are  also  furnished  with  funds  for  distribution  where  necessary.  We  grant  loans 
for  the  purchase  of  merchandise  and  for  the  equipment  of  workshops.  In  a 
word,  we  have  devoted  all  of  our  energies  to  rehabilitating  these  war  sufferers, 
and  to  making  them  self-supporting  again.  A  few  weeks  after  the  repatriation 
of  refugees  began,  their  number  in  Warsaw  had  been  decreased  to  5,000.  Those 
who  remain  are  the  old,  the  sick,  orphans,  and  refugees  from  completely  devas- 
tated towns — for  example,  Sochatschef,  Prasnaysch,  etc. 

The  work  of  rehabilitation  requires  immense  sums,  obviously  beyond  our 
ability  to  raise.  Our  work  is  so  much  the  more  difficult  because  each  expenditure 
has  to  be  considered  from  the  viewpoint  of  prime  importance  or  absolute 
necessity. 

For  the  last  five  months  the  Relief  Committee  has  been  loaded  with  a  new 
burden:  the  relief  of  the  destitute  and  unemployed  in  Warsaw  itself.  Commerce, 
manufacture  and  industry  have  been  crippled  by  force  of  circumstances,  and 
thousands  of  people  here  have  been  deprived  of  their  means  of  livelihood. 

The  prevailing  famine  prices  have  aggravated  an  economic  situation  that 
was  already  grievous  enough  in  itself. 

Our  Section  for  the  Relief  of  the  Unemployed  has  three  divisions: 

(1)  For  Laborers. 

(2)  For  Artisans. 

(3)  For  Merchants. 

,  Each  division  is  represented  by  a  committee,  which  cooperates  actively 
with  the  Section  for  the  Relief  of  the  Unemployed.  A  register  of  the  names  is 
kept,  and  the  names  are  stricken  from  the  list  as  employment  is  found.  There 
are  20,000  names  on  the  register  of  the  unemployed.  About  20,000  roubles  a 
month  are  spent  by  the  Section  for  the  Relief  of  the  Unemployed — an  amount 
that  does  not  begin  to  cover  the  needs.  Unfortunately,  we  are  unable  to  make  a 
larger  appropriation  for'  the  purpose. 


FINANCIAL  STATEMENT. 
December  31,  1915. 

Income. 

Grand  Duchess  Tatyana  Relief  Committee. .  .  .  R.  185,000.00 
Central  Jewish  Relief  Committee  of  Petrograd .  .        739 ,520 .  00 

Central  Citizens'  Committee  of  Poland 30,000 .00 

His  Excellency,  the  Archbishop  of  Warsaw.  .  .  .  10,000.00 

Polish-Swiss  Committee 10,000 .00 

Members  of  the  Jewish  Commimity  of  Warsaw . .        146,217 .  49 
Various    institutions,     committees    and    indi- 
viduals         114,435.44 

Through  the  Press 3,981 .23 

R.  1,239,154 .  16 

Hilfsverein  der  deutschen  Juden 123,935 .50 

American  Section  of  the  Warsaw  Relief  Committee 69,600.00 

Securities — donated 1,715 .00 


R.  1,434,404 


American  Section  of  Warsaw'Cjdinmittve.  '>''.'.'  1^1. 

Expenditures. 

Assistance  to  individuals R.  42,282 .30 

Assistance  to  homeless  persons 768,011 ,49 

Assistance  to  rabbis  and  schochetim 52,333 .  55 

Subventions  to  charitable  institutions  and  public 

kitchens 199,261 .82 

Subventions  to  various  relief  committees  in  the 

provinces 111,094.38 

Expense  of  repatriation 31,239.20 

Loans 40,785 .65 

Legal  services 971 .65 

Assistance  to  unemployed 54,260 .89 

Kitchens  for  the  unemployed 2,450.00 

Travelling  expenses 3,084 .38 

Assistance  to  wives  of  reservists 9,376.90 

Office  expenses 5,552 .96 


Balance  on  hand: 

Cash R.  111,984.49 

Securities 1,715.00 


R.  1.320,705.17 


113,699.49 
R.  1.434,404.66 


REPORT  OF  THE  AMERICAN   SECTION  FROM 
NOV.  17,  1915,  TO  JAN.  1,  1916. 

On  October  25,  1915,  $100,000  was  sent  to  the  American  Constil 
at  Warsaw  for  distribution  by  a  committee  consisting  of  the  follow- 
ing: Dr.  Samuel  Posnanski,  H.  Farbstein,  M.  Rundstein,  Rabbi 
Jehuda  Segal,  Joel  Wegmeister  and  Levi  Lewin-Epstein.  Following 
is  a  report  of  the  activities  of  this  Committee  which  has  been  given 
the  name  of  "The  American  Section",  since  its  institution  on  Nov- 
ember 17,  1915,  up  to  the  end  of  the  year.  Some  idea  of  the  mag- 
nitude of  the  task  of  relieving  the  suffering  in  Poland  may  be  gained 
when  it  is  noted  that  although  the  greatest  economy  was  exercised 
almost  $50,000  was  expended  in  the  period  of  44  days  covered  by 
the  report,  and  that  this  sum  when  divided  among  the  absolutely 
destitute  in  Warsaw  only,  amounted  to  only  10  kopeks  per  day 
per  head — and  the  price  of  bread  is  12  kopeks  per  pound. 

In  the  darkest  hour  when,  having  entirely  exhausted  its  funds,  the  special 
Relief  Commission  for  War  Victims  of  the  Jewish  Community  found  itself  in 
a  most  difficult  position;  when  all  that  had  been  done  during  the  past  sixteen 
months  of  misery  and  misfortune  to  rescue  the  many  thousands  of  war  sufferers 
seemed  about  to  be  undone;  when  we,  with  heavy  hearts,  were  compelled  to 
see  the  hands  stretched  out  for  a  piece  of  dry  bread  pushed  aside;  when  the  air 
was  full  of  the  lamentations  and  the  groans  of  the  poor  hunted  victims  of  cold 
and  of  hunger — at  this  very  hour  came,  like  a  blessing  from  Providence,  relief 
from  our  brothers  in  America. 

When  the  American  Consul  here  informed  us  that  a  remittance  of  $100,000 
had  been  sent  to  us  from  America,  to  be  distributed  by  a  committee  of  six  desig- 


102        .    Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

nated  members,  one  of  these,  namely,  Podlischevski,  was  in  Russia  and  conse- 
quently could  not  participate  in  the  activities  of  the  committee.  We  therefore 
elected  in  his  place  the  treasurer  of  the  Relief  Committee  for  War  Victims  of  the 
Executive  of  the  Jewish  Community  of  Warsaw,  M.  Rundstein.  All  the  desig- 
nated persons  have  been  constituted  as  a  special  committee  under  the  name 
of  The  American  Section  of  the  Relief  Committee  for  War  Sufferers,  so  that 
this  committee  now  consists  of  3  members  of  the  Relief  Committee  and  3  repre- 
sentatives of  other  relief  organizations. 

The  officers  of  the  Section  follow:  First  President,  Dr.  Samuel  Poznanski; 
Second  President  and  Secretary,  H.  Farbstein;  Treasurer,  M.  Rundstein.  The 
other  members  are  Rabbi  Jehuda  Segal,  Joel  Wegmeister,  and  Levi  Lewin- 
Epstein. 

I.    Brest-Litovsk. 

To  the  former  misfortunes  of  our  brethren  was  added  a  new  horror  and  that 
was  the  mass  expulsion  of  the  entire  population  of  Brest-Litovsk  for  military 
reasons.  This  evacuation  was  completed  in  the  course  of  a  single  day  so  that 
the  population  was  unable  to  carry  away  any  of  its  belongings.  It  is  impossible 
to  imagine  the  helplessness  and  the  misery  of  these  poor  masses  who  were  now 
for  the  third  time  compelled  to  leave  their  homes.  Relief  had  to  be  forthcoming 
immediately  and  without  the  least  hesitation.  To  our  satisfaction  we  can  report 
that  the  first  relief  funds  came  from  the  contribution  of  our  American  brethren, 
A  part  of  these  unfortunate  people,  about  6,000  souls,  were  settled  in  various 
townlets  and  villages;  the  remainder,  that  is  the  greater  part,  were  sent  to  the 
districts  of  Lukov,  Biala,  Miendzyrzec,  Siedlce,  Radzim,  and  other  places.  For 
provisions  and  clothing  for  these  people  we  have  thus  far  expended  about  12,000 
roubles.  The  relief  is  so  divided  that  it  comes  to  about  10  kopeks  per  day  per 
person.  In  addition  to  this,  kitchens  and  tea  houses  were  established  in  the 
larger  places  such  as  Lukov,  Siedlce,  and  others. 

n.     The  Organization  for  the  Repatriation  of  Homeless  Jews. 

The  Organization  for  the  Repatriation  of  Homeless  Jews  was  established 
when,  through  the  capture  of  Warsaw,  communication  between  our  city  and  the 
Polish  hinterland  was  re-established  and  it  was  possible  to  send  back  to  their 
homes  Jewish  fugitives  who  had  taken  refuge  in  Warsaw.  The  number  of  these 
was  about  80,000.  Of  these,  the  number  who  were  receiving  a  weekly  pension 
from  the  Relief  Committee  was  50,000,  to  which  number  must  be  added  those 
needy  persons  who  were  receiving  relief  sporadically. 

Of  these  50,000  homeless,  the  Organization  for  Repatriation  gradually 
returned  the  greater  number  to  their  homes  when  the  condition  of  the  homes 
made  their  return  even  half-way  possible.  The  Organization  gave  relief  in 
various  forms  to  the  repatriated  in  their  native  places — the  selling  of  provisions 
below  cost,  tea  houses,  dining  rooms,  distribution  of  provisions  and  fuel  gratis, 
and,  not  the  least,  the  reestablishment  of  ritual  baths,  because  the  Jews  of  rural 
districts  were  unwilling  to  settle  down  without  them.  Closely  related  to  these 
activities,  it  appeared  necessary  in  some  places  to  give  relief  in  the  form  of  loans 
by  which  a  great  many  of  the  unfortunate  were  very  successfully  helped.  There- 
fore, the  partial  rebuilding  of  some  of  the  ruined  homes  was  undertaken  and 
money  was  lent  to  tradesmen,  small  shopkeepers,  etc.,  in  order  to  keep  up  the 


American  Section  of  Warsaw  Committee.  103 

work  in  the  various  places.  In  this  way,  a  great  number  of  persons  were  put 
on  their  feet  again  who  were  on  the  brink  of  becoming  professional  beggars. 
For  this  purpose,  the  committee  has  required  so  far  25,000  roubles  from  the 
American  Section. 

in.    Relief  Section  for  Homeless. 

In  those  cases  where  the  homes  of  fugitives  were  so  ruined  that  a  return 
to  them  at  short  notice,  and  especially  in  winter,  was  out  of  the  question,  the 
repatriation  naturally  could  not  be  undertaken,  and  for  this  reason  about  8,000 
homeless  persons  were  compelled  to  remain,  in  addition  to  a  considerable  number 
of  destitute  persons  requiring  aid  who  had  not  been  registered. 

In  order  to  afford  relief  for  these  last-mentioned  homeless  people,  a  special 
relief  section  was  instituted  which  drew  the  funds  it  needed  from  the  American 
Fund.  Among  these  homeless,  there  were  many  Rabbis  whose  homes  had  been 
entirely  ruined  and  who  are  being  especially  cared  for  by  the  Relief  Section. 

For  the  support  of  these  homeless  fugitives  and  Rabbis,  the  American 
Section  has  paid  out  thus  far  25,000  roubles  monthly,  which  amounts  to  10 
kopeks  per  day  per  person.  When  it  is  considered  that  a  pound  of  bread  costs 
12  kopeks,  it  can  be  seen  what  a  minimum  of  help  this  sum  affords. 

IV.     Soup  Kitchens. 

With  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  many  thousands  of  laborers,  artisans,  sales- 
people, and  even  merchants  and  manufacturers  were  thrown  into  complete 
destitution  by  the  stoppage  of  commerce  and  industry,  and  were  threatened 
with  a  famine  with  all  its  horrible  consequences. 

Quick  help  had  to  be  organized.  The  local  aid  society,  "Ezra,"  immediately 
established  cheap  soup  kitchens.  Thirteen  of  these  were  opened  where,  for 
3  kopeks,  and  later  on,  for  nothing,  a  dinner  consisting  of  a  half  pound  of  bread 
and  a  portion  of  nourishing  soup  could  be  had.  The  number  of  such  dinners 
reached  a  total  of  23,000  daily.  Although  this  number  was  only  a  drop  in  the 
ocean  of  misery  and  poverty,  and  it  was  heartrending  to  see  how  many  of  the 
poor  people  had  to  be  turned  away  with  empty  stomachs  yet  we  were  compelled 
to  limit  ourselves  on  account  of  the  lack  of  means.  With  the  interruption  of 
communication,  the  chief  sources  of  support  for  these  kitchens  were  cut  off,  so 
that  not  only  the  further  development,  but  even  the  very  existence  of  the  kitchens, 
was  endangered  and  the  cessation  of  this  activity  was  imminent.  Again,  it  was 
the  American  Section  which  provided  a  handsome  donation  of  15,000  roubles, 
and  thus  the  famine  which  threatened  so  many  thousands  was  entirely  averted. 

V.    Relief  for  Persons  Without  Work. 

A  special  relief  commission  was  founded  to  relieve  the  large  number  of 
workless  persons  and  ruined  merchants  who  saw  themselves  forced  to  walk  the 
streets  on  account  of  the  entire  suspension  of  manufacturing  and  industry. 

Among  these  unfortunates,  distress  had  reached  a  crisis.  It  must  be 
remembered  that  these  people  had  not  only  never  in  their  lives  been  dependent 
on  public  benevolence,  but  even  had  themselves  supported  charitable  work. 
It  will  be  sufficient  to  give  an  idea  of  the  tragic  situation  of  this  class  by  citing 
the  fact  that  some  who,  in  times  of  peace,  had  homes  for  which  they  paid  about 


104  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

1,000  roubles  a  year,  now,  without  their  knowledge,  had  to  be  sent  a  couple  of 
pounds  of  dry  bread  daily  by  the  Relief  Committee.  These  are  persons  who 
are  so  proud  that  they  would  rather  die  of  famine  than  stretch  out  their  hands 
for  charity.  There  were  a  number  of  suicides  among  them.  The  American 
Section  came  to  the  rescue  also  of  these  victims  of  the  war.  It  established  3 
sub-committees  as  follows:  (1)  for  impoverished  shopkeepers;  (2)  for  artisans, 
and  (3)  for  laborers.     The  sum  of  15,500  roubles  was  expended  for  these  cases. 

VI.     Cheap  Bread. 

Together  with  the  great  increase  in  the  prices  of  all  foodstuffs,  the  price 
of  bread  rose  enormously.  At  this  moment,  bread  costs  12  kopeks  per  pound. 
As  it  is  impossible  for  the  homeless  who  receive  a  dole  of  10  kopeks  from  the 
Relief  Committee  to  buy  bread  at  such  a  price,  the  American  Section  has  insti- 
tuted the  sale  of  bread  at  6  kopeks  per  pound,  and  up  to  this  time,  has  expended 
3,600  roubles  for  this  purpose. 

Three  free  soup  kitchens  are  also  maintained  by  the  American  Section  at 
an  expense  of  3,000  roubles  monthly. 

VII.    Homes  for  Children. 

As  a  consequence  of  the  flight  of  many  thousands  of  refugees  to  Warsaw, 
the  streets  of  the  city  were  overflowing  with  children  who  had  no  one  to  look 
after  them.  There  was  confusion  and  disorder  and  on  account  of  their  constant 
stay  in  the  streets,  these  children  were  becoming  demoralized  and  vulgarized. 
The  Petrograd  Relief  Committee  had  established  special  homes  for  these  children 
where  they  were  well  cared  for,  instructed,  fed  and  clad.  After  the  interruption 
of  communication,  these  institutions  remained  without  means.  There  were 
in  them  also  children  of  reservists  and  others  whose  parents  or  bread-winners 
were  in  America.  The  religious  schools,  or  Talmud  Torahs,  are  also  maintained 
by  the  American  Section.  There  are  at  the  present  time  about  4,000  pupils 
in  these  places.  The  budgets  of  these  homes  amount  to  5,000  roubles  per 
month. 

Vni.     Workshops  for  Homeless  Girls. 

The  American  Section  has  also  undertaken  the  maintenance  of  workshops 
for  150  homeless  girls  of  whom  50  have  already  been  returned  to  their  homes,  and 
100  still  remain  in  Warsaw.  In  these  workshops  the  girls  receive  some  technical 
instruction  from  9  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Milli- 
nery, embroidery,  neckwear  and  underwear  making,  the  manufacture  of  artificial 
flowers,  and  so  forth,  are  taught.  From  5  to  8  instruction  in  reading  and  writing 
is  given.  For  this  purpose  the  Section  has  appropriated  the  sum  of  400  roubles 
monthly. 

IX.     Clothing  for  the  Poor. 

A  matter  of  considerable  importance  is  the  distribution  of  clothing  among 
the  poor.  This  is  as  great  a  necessity  as  that  of  feeding,  especially  at  this  season 
of  the  year.  Cold,  malnutrition,  and  the  lack  of  fuel  cause  the  outbreak  of  much 
sickness  among  the  destitute.  To  prevent  this,  the  American  Section  has  opened 
a  special  department  for  the  distribution  of  clothing  and  shoes.  3,000  roubles 
per  month  are  expended  for  this  purpose. 


American  Section  of  Warsaw  Committee.  105 

X.     Protection  for  Homeless  Girls. 

The  extreme  destitution  of  the  homeless  has  resulted,  in  many  cases,  in  the 
demoralization  of  their  daughters.  In  order  to  minimize  this  evil,  we  have 
entered  into  cooperation  with  the  local  Woman's  Protective  Organization  in 
order  to  maintain  a  home  for  200  homeless  girls.  To  this  purpose,  the  American 
Section  devotes  1,500  roubles  per  month. 

XI.    Loans. 

The  Relief  Committee  of  the  Jewish  Community  established,  on  November 
1,  1915,  a  section  under  the  supervision  of  Dr.  Klumel,  for  the  purpose  of  making 
small  loans,  from  25  roubles  up  to  200  roubles.  This  department  cares  especially 
for  the  following  classes:  first,  artisans;  second,  small  manufacturers;  third, 
dealers  and  merchants  of  the  second  and  third  grade  who,  as  a  consequence  of 
the  war,  had  lost  their  capital  and  could  no  longer  carry  on  their  businesses. 
Applications  came  flowing  in  so  that  by  January  1,  1916,  about  600  had  been 
received  for  loans  amounting  to  a  total  of  from  sixty  to  seventy  thousand 
roubles.  About  120  applications  were  favorably  acted  upon  and  amounted  to  a 
loan  of  6,000  roubles,  which  was  appropriated  by  the  American  Section  for  this 
purpose.  Preference  was  given  to  artisans  and  small  dealers.  The  further 
reception  of  applications  had  to  be  discontinued  on  account  of  the  lack  of  means, 
and  the  applications  of  500  which  had  already  come  in  could  not  be  satisfied. 
A  similar  subvention  of  6,000  roubles  for  the  same  purpose  was  given  to  the  local 
vSociety  for  the  Relief  of  War  Sufferers,  Grzybov. 

Xn.     "A  Drop  of  Milk." 

To  a  special  category  of  war  victims  who  are  often  overlooked  in  the  rapid 
organization  of  relief,  belong  the  poor  infants  of  the  homeless  whose  only  nourish- 
ment, as  is  well  known,  is  the  milk  of  the  mother.  On  account  of  the  bad  and 
insufficient  nourishment  of  the  mother,  these  babies  were  unable  to  get  any 
benefit  from  this  source  and  a  large  mortality  among  them  resulted.  To  rescue 
these  innocent  victims,  the  Petrograd  Jewish  Relief  Committee  established  a 
fund  under  the  name  of  "A  Drop  of  Milk."  With  the  interruption  of  com- 
munications, this  absolutely  essential  fund  became  unavailable.  Thanks  to 
the  American  Section  the  work  in  this  direction  has  been  maintained  and  1,500 
roubles  monthly  is  devoted  to  it. 

XIII.     Relief  for  the  Entire  Occupied  Territory. 

Many  thousands  of  fugitives  from  all  parts  of  the  occupied  territory  are 
concentrated  in  Warsaw,  which  is  the  largest  center  of  refuge  for  Jews.  After 
the  organization  of  the  American  Section,  these  victims  were  naturally  cared  for. 
Besides,  however,  it  was  decided  to  send  delegates  to  all  places  which  had  suffered 
most  by  the  events  of  the  war  for  the  purpose  of  studying  on  the  spot  the  needs 
of  the  Jewish  population  and  of  establishing  local  relief  committees  consisting 
of  the  representatives  of  the  Jewish  communities.  In  the  meanwhile,  until 
these  committees  are  actually  organized,  direct  relief  is  given  by  the  American 
Section  in  the  most  urgent  cases.  For  instance,  we  have  sent  considerable  sums 
to  Novo-Grodek,  Bialystok,  Slonim,  Brzeziny. 


106  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

XIV.     Relief  for  the  Families  of  Emigrants  to  America. 

In  our  city,  as  also  in  the  country,  there  live  thousands  of  Jews  who  have 
relatives  in  America  and  who,  before  the  war  broke  out,  used  to  receive  help  from 
them  regularly.  With  the  interruption  of  postal  communication  with  America, 
these  remittances  have  naturally  stopped.  The  people  who  had  been  receiving 
them  apply  daily  at  the  American  Section  because  they  have  been  left  entirely 
without  means.  In  order  to  help  these  people,  the  American  Section  distributes 
2,000  roubles  monthly.  The  means  at  the  disposition  of  the  American  Section 
do  not  allow  of  a  permanent  contribution  to  these  families  of  emigrants,  and 
only  the  early  and  continuous  help  from  their  relatives  in  America  will  save  them 
from  misery. 

XV.  American  Information  Bureau. 

In  order  to  inform  the  American  emigrants  of  the  deplorable  situation  of 
their  relatives  here,  the  American  Section  has  opened  an  information  bureau 
which  sends  news  free  of  charge  from  applicants  to  their  relatives  in  America 
and  also  handles  the  remittances  which  are  sent  from  America  and  the  responses 
of  the  recipients. 

XVI.  Status  of  the  American  Fund. 

By  reason  of  the  expenditures  which  have  been  mentioned  in  this  report, 
the  American  fund  has  been  reduced  one-half.  The  remaining  sum  is  but  a  drop 
of  balm  in  the  sea  of  misery  and  suffering  of  the  Jewish  population  when  it  is 
compared  to  the  work  which  is  still  necessary. 


III.    AUSTRIA-HUNGARY. 

REPORT   OF   ISRAELITISCHE   ALLIANZ   OF   VIENNA. 


OFFICERS  AND    EXECUTIVE    COMMITTEE    OF  THE  ISRAELITISCHE 

ALLIANZ  ZU  WIEN. 

President Dr.  Alfred  Stern. 

First  Vice-President Dr.  Arthur  Kuranda. 

Second  Vice-President Dr.  Felix  Katzau. 

Third  Vice-President Hofrat  Camill  Kuranda. 

(Member  of  Imperial  Diet.) 
Secretary Rev.  Dr.  Armand  Kaminka. 

Michael  Benies,  Generalrat  Adolf  Klein, 

Richard  Bettelheim,  Hofrat  Dr.  Josef  Lowner, 

Ferdinand  Bloch,  Dr.  Jacob  Nirenstein, 

Dr.  Josef  Breuer,  Wilhelm  Pappenheim, 

Moritz  B.  Eissler,  Dr.  Bnmo  Pollack  Edler  v.  Pamau, 

Professor  Dr.  Sal.  Ehrmann,  Professor  Dr.  Josef  Pollak, 

Chief  Rabbi  Dr.  M.  Gudemann,  Julius  Reitlinger, 

Dr.  Wilhelm  Ritter  von  Guttman,  Leopold  Sachs  Edler  von  Sachsenhall 


COMMITTEE    IN    HUNGARY. 

Budapest: 

Ober  Rabbiner,  Hoppel  Reich, 

Adolph  Frankel,  President  Orthodox  Jews  in  Hungary, 

Leopold  Grossberg,  Editor  Algemeine  Jud.  Zeitung. 

Pressburg: 

Rabbi  Akiba  Schreiber, 

Lazar  Gestatner,  President  Kultus  Gemeinde. 

Ungvar: 

Rabbi  Lazar  Lov. 

Huntzdorf: 

Rabbi  Samuel  Rosenberg. 

Laszo,  Saros  Co.: 
Jacob  'Zauber. 

Miskolcz: 

Jonas  Firth. 

107 


108  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

The  following  paragraphs  are  taken  from  a  report  addressed  b}- 
the  Israelitische  AUianz  zu  Wien  to  the  American  Ambassador 
at  Vienna  under  date  of  February  17,  1916. 


Persons  Requiring  Aid. 

Those  requiring  aid  taken  as  a  whole  may  be  divided  into  two  categories: 
the  first  being  those  who,  owing  to  the  events  of  the  war,  have  either  been  forced 
by  the  authorities  to  seek  shelter  in  western  Austria,  or  have  voluntarily  left 
the  war  region;  the  second  category  consisting  of  those  who  either  remained 
in  the  towns  suffering  from  the  operations  of  war  or  have  since  returned  to  them. 
With  regard  to  the  help  given  to  the  first  category  of  fugitives,  it  was  chiefly 
undertaken  by  the  State.  They  were  given  free  shelter  in  special  barracks 
erected  for  them,  together  with  clothing  and  linen,  and  received  a  krone  per  day 
per  head  towards  their  food.  Further,  these  fugitives  numbering  some 
400,000  persons,  were  also  amply  cared  for  by  private  action  in  such  places 
where  they  were  interned,  where  naturally  they  were  allowed  perfect  freedom. 
The  Israelitische  Allianz  could  here  limit  itself  to  supplementary  activity. 
Nevertheless,  as  may  be  gathered  from  the  detailed  reports  forwarded  to, 
America,  this  alone  has  already  amounted  to  several  hundred  thousand  kronen 
and  win  continue  to  require  more. 


Thousands  of  Widows — Tens  of  Thousands  of  Orphans. 

Far  more  ample  means  must,  however,  in  the  future  be  placed  at  disposal 
and  in  an  ever-increasing  amoimt  too,  for  those  sufferers  by  the  war  who  remained 
in  their  homes  and  those  successively  returning  to  them,  as  till  now  no  action 
for  their  relief  has  been  taken  on  the  part  of  the  State,  and  they  have  no  share 
in  any  of  the  forms  of  relief  granted  to  fugitives.  For  them  it  is  purely  and 
simply  a  question  of  public  charity,  and  in  this  they  are  entirely  dependent  on 
their  co-religionists  as  their  only  source  of  help.  The  misery  and  suffering  of 
these  people  baffles  all  description.  Their  homes  have  been  so  devastated 
that  both  those  who  remained  behind  and  those  returning  to  them  are  mostly- 
obliged  to  pass  the  winter  in  damp  and  cold  earth-holes,  with  foul  straw  for 
their  beds  and  bare  of  all  clothing.  Cholera,  spotted  typhus  and  dysentery 
daily  cause  large  gaps  among  them.  And  for  the  Jewish  population  this  terrible 
misery  'is  fiirther  increased  and  urged  to  the  utmost  by  a  series  of  facts  which 
specially  touches  them.  Almost  the  entire  male  population  of  the  larger  places 
in  Bukovina  and  Galicia,  except  such  as  are  serving  in  the  army,  have  been 
dragged  off  by  the  Russians  and  sent  to  Siberia, 'many  of  them  have  been  mur- 
dered in  a  terrible  way,  so  that  virtually  thousands  of  widows  and  tens  of  thou- 
sands of  orphans  remain  behind.  And  this  misery  is  still  further  intensified 
by  the  following  circumstances:  By  far  the  larger  number  of  marriages  in 
Galicia  and  Bukovina  are  merely  of  a  ritual  nature,  and  are  not  recognized  as 
legal  by  the  State,  such  a  wife  being  regarded  but  as  a  concubine  and  her  children 
as  illegitimate.  Therefore,  as  all  the  male  population  of  Bukovina  and  Galicia 
between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  fifty  capable  of  bearing  arms  are  now  serving 


Israelitische  Allianz,   Vienna.  109 

in  the  army,  the  families  of  those  who  have  contracted  such  marriages  do  not 
receive  such  support  as,  according  to  law,  is  granted  to  the  legal  members  of  the 
families  of  those  men  now  in  the  field. 


Individual  Relief  Impossible. 

In  view  of  these  conditions,  it  is  hopeless  to  think  of  giving  individual  aid 
to  all  these  unfortunates,  and  this  for  purely  technical  reasons,  and  moreover 
because  in  order  to  give  effectual  individual  relief,  such  immense  sums  would  be 
requisite  that  the  most  strenuous  efforts  on  the  part  of  private  charity  would 
be  in  striking  contradiction  to  the  actual  needs. 

For  this  reason  such  individual  help  could  only  be  thought  of  in  rare  and 
exceptional  cases,  and  the  means  placed  at  disposition  are  primarily  handed 
over  to  such  organizations  which  seemed  best  capable  of  ameliorating  the  suffer- 
ings of  all.  These  means  are  preferably  employed  for  the  establishment  and 
upkeep  of  people's  kitchens,  warm  rooms  and  tea-rooms,  and  more  especially 
for  the  rescue  of  destitute  children  in  danger  of  physical  and  moral  ruin,  by  the 
founding  of  homes  for  children  and  asylums  for  the  aged  and  sick,  for  which 
the  money  collected  finds  ample  use.  Further,  societies  which  advance  sums 
of  money  to  workmen  and  craftsmen  for  the  purchases  of  tools  and  raw  materials 
are  likewise  amply  supported. 

It  is  a  foregone  conclusion  that  the  disbursements  be  made  with  relative 
economy,  for  unfortunately  there  is  a  sad  prospect  of  these  aids  having  to  be  given 
not  only  during  the  immeasurable  length  of  the  war,  but  also  for  a  long  time  after 
the  conclusion  of  peace,  a  continuation  of  the  misery  and  sad  conditions  of  the 
Jews  in  Galicia  and  Bukovina  must  be  taken  into  account. 


Auxiliary  Committees. 

To  ensure  an  adequate  distribution  of  the  funds  according  to  the  facts 
of  a  case,  three  large  auxiliar^^  committees  have  been  established  on  the  part  of 
the  Israelitische  Allianz  in  Lemberg,  Premysl  and  Cracow,  which  serve  for  the 
present  as  executives  for  East,  Central  and  West  Galicia,  to  whom  requests 
for  help  on  the  part  of  municipalities  are  assigned  for  report,  and  to  whom  the 
right  of  initiative  has  been  ceded.  These  committees  send  their  own  delegates 
to  continually  travel  through  the  district  allotted  to  them  in  order  to  make 
exhaustive  inquiries  on  the  spot.  In  addition  to  these  committees,  special 
executive  committees  have  been  formed  in  large  towns  such  as  Kolomea,  Jaroslau, 
Brody  and  Stanislau. 

On  this  occasion  the  Israelitische  Allianz  cannot  hide  the  fact  that  it  may 
perhaps  have  exceeded  the  literal  instructions  of  the  American  Relief  Committee 
as  to  its  activity  and  the  expenditure  of  the  fimds  so  generously  sent,  in  so  far 
as  they  have  been  forced  to  extend  their  field  of  operation  to  that  part  of  Russian 
Poland  now  under  the  administration  of  Austria,  for  the  Jewish  population  of 
these  districts,  in  consequence  of  the  war  events  and  particularly  because  of  the 
Russian  retreat,  has  suffered  in  the  same  manner  as  their  co-religionists  of 
Galicia  and  Bukovina. 


no 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


For  this  reason  the  AlUance  has  lately  sent  their  secretary  from  their  central 
office  in  Vienna  to  travel  through  the  chief  towns  and  governmental  seats,  Lub- 
lin, PetrikofT,  Radom  and  Kielce,  there  to  form  their  own  relief  committees  as 
executives,  and  already  monetary  help  has  been  placed  at  their  disposition 
for  about  eighty  of  the  suffering  towns  and  villages. 

From  what  has  been  said.  Your  Excellency  will  gather  that  on  the  one  hand 
it  is  impossible  to  give  the  actual  number  of  siifferers  by  the  war  receiving  help 
from  us,  we  must  therefore  limit  ourselves  to  saying  that  one  and  a  half  million 
persons  is  not  too  small  an  estimate  to  answer  the  questions  in  detail  put  by  the 
American  committees  in  reference  to  this.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  impossible 
to  reply  to  the  request  to  specify  the  amount  necessary  for  the  present  year, 
1916,  otherwise  than  to  draw  attention  to  the  fact  that  a  continuation  of  the 
present  distress  must  unfortunately  with  certainty  be  expected  for  the  duration 
of  this  year  and  that  the  distress  will  be  considerably  intensified  by  the  fact 
that  when  the  fugitives  are  successively  sent  back  to  their  native  places,  entirely 
without  means  of  sustenance,  in  consequence  of  the  cessation  of  State  aid,  they 
will  be  entirely  dependent  on  private  charity. 

The  relief  work  in  Galicia  and  Bukowina  was  supervised  by  two  committees, 
The  Jewish  Relief  Committee  for  East  Galicia,  with  headquarters  at  Lemberg, 
and  the  Jewish  Central  Relief  Committee  for  West  Galicia,  with  headquarters 
at  Cracow.     The  personnel  of  these  two  committees  is  given  below: 


Jewish  Relief  Committee  for  East  Galicia. 

Chairman Jacob  Stroh. 

First  Vice-President Prof.  Samuel  Bromberg. 

Second  Vice-President Leon  Wohl. 

Secretaries Prof.  Dr.  Bernhard  Hausner, 

Lazar  Goldberg. 


Herman  Back, 
Rabbi  Leib  Braude, 
Dr.  Moritz  Brendel, 
Emanuel  Dresdner, 
Dr.  Karl  Einaugler, 
Rabbi  Samuel  Guttmann, 
Dr.  Cacilie  Klaften, 
Bernhard  Krolik, 


Religious  Teacher, 

Moses  Lamm, 
Dr.  Anselm  Landau, 
Adolph  Lindenberger, 
Berl  Locker, 
Prof.  Solomon  Mandel, 
Laura  Olbert, 
Simon  Orange, 
Dr.  Ava  Reichenstein, 


Dr.  Michael  Ringel, 
David  Rubenzahl, 
Nathan  Schapira, 
Oswald  Schargel, 
Prof.  Leon  Schleicher, 
Ladislaus  Schleyen, 
Dr.  Rubin  Sokal, 
Michal  Ulam. 


Jewish  Central  Relief  Committee  for  West  Galicia. 


Chairman,  Joseph  Sare. 

Dr.  Samuel  Tilles,  President  of  the  Jewish  Community. 

Dr.  Adolph  Gross,  Member  of  Imperial  Diet. 

Prof.  Dr.  Joseph  Rosenblatt,  Chairman  of  the  Israelitische  AUianz. 

Dr.  Herman  Hirsch,  Representative  of  the  Order  B'nai  Brith. 


Israelitische  Allianz,   Vienna.  Ill 

RELIEF  WORK  FOR  GALICIA  AND  BUKOWINA. 
(Up  to  December  31,  1915.) 


Chairman  of  Amount 

Place  Local  Committee  Purpose  of  Subvention       Kronen 

Belz ♦L  4,000 

Bircza fP  1,250 

Bobrka L  1,500 

Bohorodzany L  1,500 

Bolechov Dr.  T.  Blumenthal 1,000 

Bobozovce Aba  Reiss 

Brody Martin  Balban People's  kitchens,  orphan  asy- 
lum and  infirmary 11,700 

Buczacz Michal  Komblut L  3,000 

Bukaczovce L  3,000 

Busk Osias  Kara  van L  2,500 

Chyrov L  2,500 

Czemelica Also  for  Horodenka;  L. . .  . , .  3,000 

Czernovitz 

Dembica Chaim  Mahler 800 

Dobromil Distribution  of  potatoes  and 

other    provisions,   and   tea 

houses 2,300 

Dolina L  3,000 

Delatyn L  2,000 

Drohobycz Rabbi  D.  B.  Margolies.  .People's  kitchens  and  assist- 
ance to  individuals 5,250 

Dunajov L  1,000 

Felsztyn L  2,500 

Gliniany Dr.  Jacob  Korkis L  6,500 

Gologory Isak  Davidsohn 

Gorlice Dr.  Stem 5,000 

Grodek Rabbi  Jos.  Klieger L  800 

Gvozdziec L  2,500 

Halicz Joseph  Schein 

Horodenka Berel  Spirer L  See    Czemelica 

Horozanka L  1,000 

Hussakov Distribution  of  potatoes 1,250 

Janov Joseph  Frankel Also  for  Javorov;  L 1,500 

Jaroslau J.  Strisover 4,000 

T„„,^^^ f  Refugees  from  Sieniawa 1,000 

Jaryozov  novy ^  p^^  |^^pl^^.  kitchens;  L.  .  .  .  lioOO 

Jaslo Boguslav  Steinhaus 1,000 

Javorov • See 

Janov 

Jasloviec L  1,000 

Jezierna Wolf  Fischer L  1,000 

Kalusz L  2,500 

Kamionka  strum. Rabbi  Marcus  Diamant.                          L  2,000 

Kolomea               ^  Elias  Kris Children's  schools 9,300 

\  Marcus  Schiller.  . People's  kitchens  and  refugees 

Komarno L  2,500 

Krukienice L  600 

Lysiec - L  800 

Magierov .  .  M.  Wachs L  2,000 

Monasterzyska. .  .S.  Safril L    .  1,000 

*  Lemberg  Relief  Committee.  f  Peremysl  Committee. 


112  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


Chairman  of  Amount 

Place  Local  Committee  Purpose  of  Subvention       Kronen 


Mosiciska *L  2,500 

Mosty  wielkie L  2,500 

Nadvorna L  2,000 

Narajov Rabbi  Beresch  Sim L  1,000 

Narol L  2,500 

Niemirov Dr.  Rosenberg L  3,000 

Ottynia L  4,000 

Podhajce Dr.  Leon  Salpeter L  2,500 

Pomorzany Max  Tierhaus L  1,000 

Potok  Zloty L  1,000 

Przemysl Dr.  B.  Gans People's  kitchens  and  distri- 
bution of  potatoes 2,500 

Przemyslany Dr.  Jacob  Schenker L  5,500 

Radymno Distribution  of  potatoes 2,200 

Radzivillov 

(Volhynia) 1,500 

Rava  ruska Samuel  Schaffel L  2,500 

Rohatyn Dr.  Zeghaus L  5.000 

Rudki L  2,000 

Rzeszov Nathan  Levin .>. 

Sadova  wisznia L  2,500 

Sambor Aron  Levin 

Sassov Wolf  Landesberg L  1 ,500 

Sieniava Also  for  Jaroslau 5,000 

Skole Dr.  Eichel 1,000 

Sniatyn David  Goldes L  4,000 

Qfotii'eio,-.  /  Rabbi  Edm.  Rauch Peoples'  kitchens  and  distri- 

btanisiau <j^  q^  gi^jnenfeld bution  of  wood 7,000 

Stara  Sol L  fP  800 

Stary  Sambor L  2,000 

Stryj Borak  Selig L  

Svirz 

Szczerczec David  Chill L  2,000 

Tarnobczeg Dr.  Wilf.  Reben 

Tlumacz Jacob  Seidmann L  2,000 

Toporov L  2,500 

Turka For  other  places 1,250 

L  3,000 

Tysmenica L  1,500 

Uhnov Rabbi  Rokach 

Zaleszczyki L  2,000 

Zalosce L  2,500 

Zborov ; L  1,500 

Zloczov Dr.  Isak  Mittleman L  8,000 

Zydaczov L  4,000 

Zelov  (Russian- 
Poland) 1,000 

Bilgoraj  (Russian- 
Poland)  1,000 

Kolbussova Dr.  W.  Rabinovitch 

Ulanov Dr.  David  Fey  in  Niskv 

Dr.  Lovy  in  Niskv 


Total K.     247,000 


*  Lemberg  Relief  Committee.  f  Paremysl  Committee. 


Israelitische  Allianz,   Vienna.  113 

For  the  further  needs  of  the  enumerated  90  places  for  assistance  for 
additional  places  in  Galicia,  as  also  in  Bukowina,  Russian- Poland 
and  in  Volhynia,  there  was  appropriated  for  people's  kitchens, 

provisions  and  the  protection  of  children K.    450,000 

For  other  assistance 150,000 

For  loans  to  business  men 250,000 

Total K.  1,097,900 

For  the  support  of  refugees  until  the  end  of  December,  1915,  accord- 
ing to  table 462,118 


> 


K.  1,560,018 


In  addition  to  the  places  enumerated  in  the  foregoing  table,  the  following 
places  have  also  received  assistance: 


GALICIA  AND  BUKOWINA. 

Baranov,  Bialyjamien,  Chodorov,  Cholojov,  Cieszanov,  Dynov,  Grodizsko, 
Kolbuszova,  Jezupol,  Krakoviec,  Kroszienko,  Krystonopol,  Kulaczkovce, 
Lanczyn,  Lemberg,  Lezajsk,  Majdan,  Nisko,  Pilzno,  Podkamien,  Radziechov, 
Ropozyce,  Rozvadov,  Rudnik,  Rymanov,  Sokal,  Strzeliska  novs,  Tartakov, 
Ulanov,  Varez,  Wiszniovczyk,  Vorochta,  Zablotov. 


RUSSIAN-POLAND. 

Through  the  Relief  Committee  in  Lublin  and  Petrikau — 

Annopol,  Baranov,  Belchatov,  Belzice,  Bikupol,  Bilgoraj,  Bychava,  Chodel, 
Frampol,  Glush,  Gorey,  Gorzkov,  Hrubieszov,  Irena,  Izbica,  Janov,  Jozefov, 
Kazimirz,  Konska  volja,  Krasnik,  Krasnostav,  Krzescov,  Lenczna,  Lubartov, 
Lukov,  Markuszov  kurov,  Modiboczice,  Nalenczov,  Novo  Alexandria,  Novo 
Radomsk,  Opole,  Piaski  lutevski,  Polavy,  Rachov,  Rospschi,  Sulejov,  Szczbrzes- 
zyn,  Tarnogrod,  Tomaszov,  Turobin  Urzendov  b.  Krasnik,  Vomvulnica,  Vysokie, 
Zaklikov,  Zamosc,  Zelov,  Zolkievka. 

Through  the  Relief  Committee  in  Radom — 

Bialobrezezi,  Ciepielov,  Drzecice,  Glovaxzov,  Gnievoszov-Granica,  Ilza' 
Kedlinsk,  Kazenov,  Klvov,  Konsk,  Koprizvnica,  Kozienice,  Lipsko,  Magnuezew, 
Malenec,  Odrzvol,  Opoczno,  Ostrovice,  Osorov,  Radusczyca,  Ryczy^rol,  Sienno, 
Skabrczysko,  Stromiec,  Tarlov,  Vasniov,  Viesbice,  Virzbnik,  Zamov,  Zvolen, 
Radon. 

Through  the  Relief  Committee  in  Kielce — 

Pinczov,  Dzjaloscize,  Skalniex,  Checiny,  Lopuszno,  Sopkov,  Bodzentin, 
Novo  Slupje,  Suchednjov,  Miechov,  Slomnik,  Proszovice,  Valkskions,  Olkusz. 
Pilica,  Volbrom,  Vloszova,  Szczekoczyn,  Malogoszez,  Jendscejov,  Woidslav, 
Chmelnik,  Busk,  Szidlov,  Stopnice,  Viszlica,  Nove  Miasto  Korczyn  (Neustadt), 
Kielce. 


114 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


RELIEF   ON   BEHALF   OF   THE   REFUGEES    ADMINISTERED   BY   THE 
ISRAELITISCHE  ALLIANZ  ZU  WIEN  IN  COOPERATION  WITH 
THE   JEWISH   COMMUNITY  AND   THE  RELIEF  COM- 
MITTEE   IN    WEST    AUSTRIA,    UP    TO 
DECEMBER   31,    1915. 

Total  Subventions  of  the  Israelitische  Allianz  zu  Wien,  up  to 
December  31,  1915. 

Kronen 

Vienna 151,090 

Bohemia 131,574 

Moravia 98,310 

Hungary 66,588 

Various  assistance 4,340 

General  assistance  for  refugees  and  other  war 

sufferers '.  .  .  .      10,216 

Total 462,118 


VIENNA. 
(About  100,000  Jewish  fugitives  without  means.) 


Disbursed  Out 

of  Local 

Funds 


Subvention 

of 

Allianz 


Aid  for  fugitives  by  Israelitische    Allianz .... 

Clothing  for  children  of  fugitives 

People's  kitchens 

Tea-rooms  and  distribution  of  bread 

To  supplement  government  aid: 

Through  central  office ; 

Direct  to  rabbis,  teachers,  students,  etc. 

Total 


Kronen 

215,000 

30,000 

400,000 


250,000 


Kronen 

4,450 

27,200 

4,700 

55,000 
59,740 

151,090 


Israclitische  Allianz,   Vienna. 
BOHEMIA. 


115 


Relief  Committees  of  the 
Jewish  Community 


Number  of 
Refugees 


Disbursed 

Out  of  Local 

Funds 


Subvention 

of 

Allianz 


Arnau 200 

Auscha *267 

Aussig  a.  E 1,450 

Bergreichenstein 157 

Bilin *800 

Bodenbach 1,800 

B.  Leipa 2,000 

Brux 1,532 

Buchau ^212 

Budweis *5,042 

Budyn *150 

Caslau 520 

Chlumetz *268 

Chotebor *320 

Chrudim 1,200 

Dasic ♦ISO 

Dauba 800 

Dux *1,400 

Elbekosteletz 252 

Elbogen 1,060 

Falkenau 300 

Fransenband 1,400 

Friedland *689 

Gablonz  a.  N 766 

Goltch  Jenikau 92 

Habem 92 

Hermanmestes 354 

Hohenelbe *210 

Hokau 

Holitz *150 

Horitz *560 

Hostau 461 

Jechnitz 300 

Jicin *350 

Jungbunzlau 689 

Kaaden t 1,500 

Karbitz 230 

Karlsbad 3,400 


Kronen 

4,200 

t3,800 

*5,000 

22,430 

127,000 
193 
tl.747 
♦5,000 
14,600 
t2,500 
5,000 

tl2,000 
10,200 

t29,000 


♦30,000 


2,400 
1 1,855 


2,500 

tl,600 

7,000 

t3,000 

456 

tl,700 

2,300 

t4,900 

2,150 

t7,880 

18,500 

160,000 

♦2,880 

18,350 

t300 

t850 

}3,390 

♦630 


t500 

2,400 

t800 

t3,566 
♦5,500 


46,000 
130,000 


Kronen 

600 
400 

1,000 

400 
400 

2,000 

1,000 
1,000 

250 

13,000 

200 

500 
300 
200 
500 
350 

1,000 

1,500 

300 
1,500 

900 

5,800 
800 
700 
200 
200 
300 
300 
100 
300 
650 
500 

600 
500 
500 
2.500 
300 

9,000 


116  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

BOHEMIA— Continued. 


Relief  Committees  of  the  Number  of 

Jewish  Community  Refugees 


Disbursed 

out  of  Local 

Funds 


Subvention 

of 

Allianz 


Kladno 3,360 

Konigssaal 197 

Konigstadte *220 

Konigswart 317 

Kolin *1,000 

Komotau *1,150 

Kralup  a.  M *600 

Kuttenberg 668 

Laun... *200 

Leitmeritz 256 

Libochovitz 144 

Lobositz *153 

Lubenz *239 

Luck 150 

Marienbad *1,198 

Melnik 620 

Mies 1,500 

Mnischek 

Munchengratz 724 

Nimburg 642 

Pardubitz *300 

Perutz 

Petschau n,000 

Pilgram *550 

Pilsen 14,000 

Podebrad 340 

Podersam 758 

Postelberg *393 

Prag 5,700 

Pribam 400 

Rakonitz 434 

Raudnitz  a.  E *160 

Reichenau 1,040 

Reichenberg *2,400 

Rumburg 2,000 


Kronen 

4,900 

t2,160 

2,000 


Kronen 


1,900 


t2,500 

500 

600 

3,i6o  . 

ti,ioo 

500 

600 

no,666 

2,300 

400 

ise 

t2,300 

750 

*2,570 

400 

3,900 

t4,400 

200 

900 

t900 

400 

*3,000 

850 

500 

1,666 

tl,000 

200 

*8,025 

7,600 

5,000 

tl,200 

1,600 

4,320 

t2,000 

400 

200 

1,956 

t3,750 

1,600 

495 

t453 

500 

400 

100 

1,000 

300 

134,750 

t76,044 

27,600 

2,164 

1800 

550 

1,250 

t3,350 

1,100 

*5,000 

500 

470,560 

t250,000 

200 

1.500 

t6,400 

1,000 

6,740 

t6,740 

300 

*2,500 

700 

t6,760 

1,700 

12,235 

t5,000 

3,000 

Israelitische  Allianz,  Vienna. 
BOHEMIA— Concluded. 


11' 


Ralief  Committees  of  the 
Jewish  Community 


Saaz . . 
Schlan . 


Soborten . . 
Strakonitz . 

Tabor 

Tachau . . . , 


Teplitz.... 
Trautenau . 
Tarnau . . . . 


Unt.  Kaalovitz. 
Varnsdorf 


Vlaschim . 


Volin 

Zaluzan 

Various  places.  .  . 
Prayer  books,  etc . 


Disbursed 

Subvention 

Number  of 

Out  of  Local 

of 

Refugees 

Funds 

Allianz 

Kronen 

Kronen 

3,700 

1,000 

12,400 

3,550 

1,009 

8,500 

t2,400 

3,550 

*180 

300 

♦700 

500 

♦200 

*3,666 

250 

750 

5,329 

t8,320 

600 

*1,090 

♦550 

*6,666 

1,000 

500 

3.540 

t2,315 

400 

120 

1,500 

200 

595 

4,200 

t6,100 

800 

608 

550 

tl,600 

1,000 

350 

2,300 

400 

200 

400 

2,424 

Total 131,574 


HUNGARY. 


Relief  Committees  of  the 
Jewish  Community 

Number  of 
Refugees 

Disbursed 

Out  of  Local 

Funds 

Subvention 

of 

Allianz 

Budapest 

Grossvardein 

Pressburg 

30,6o6 

Kronen 

61,115 

3,473 

2,000 

Total 

66,588 

118  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

MORAVIA. 


Relief  Committees  of  the  Number  of 

Jewish  Community  Refugees 


Disbursed 

Out  of  Local 

Funds 


Subvention 

of 

Allianz 


Brunn 

Damboritz , 
Gaja 


Holleschau . 
Kanitz.  .  .  . 
Kostel 


Leitomischl , 
Lindenburg . 
M.  Trubau. 


Neutitschein 
Nikolsburg . . 


Olmutz . 


Pohrlitz 

Strassnitz 

Trebitsch 

Ung.  Hradisch 


Vischau 

Zwittau  for  Policka . 


Refugees    in    Nikolsburg,    Pohrlitz, 
Gaya  a.  Kanitz 


Kronen 

Kronen 

6,182 

124,420 

300 

*640 

500 

5,570 

45,6o6 

t5,000 

11,750 

400 

15,500 

300 

212 

6,000 

200 

150 

1,750 

tsoo 

200 
100 

*350 

3,000 

400 

**  1,800 

715 

t3,561 

1,600 

2,000 

2,875 

1,200 

8,000 

20,000 

t29,000 

51,250 

255 

31,000 

tl4,500 

300 

*4,280 

*40,000 

10,750 

nso 

300 

*50 

*200 

200 

**89,850 

8,510 

tl04,430 

1,500 

280 

1,025 

t500 

400 

900 

1,000 

t2,000 

800 
16,260 

Total. 


98,310 


*  Figures  as  of  last  summer  (1914).     Later  figures  not  available. 

t  Cost  of  supplies  distributed. 

X  Cost  of  supplies  distributed  not  included. 
**  Way  stations  en  route. 
ft  Includes  60,000  kronen  for  Galician  refugees  in  Hungary. 


MISCELLANEOUS   GROUPS   OF  REFUGEES. 


Relief  Committees  of  the 
Jewish  Community 

Number  of 
Refugees 

Disbursed 

Out  of  Local 

Funds 

Subvention 

of 

Allianz 

Amstetten 

Bruck  a.  L 

Gars 

Graz 

Vaidhofen  a.  Th.  .  , 
Sarajev 

Total 

400 

1,000 

35 

800 

'2',000 

Kronen 
14,000 

Kronen 
600 
540 
100 

2,000 
100 

1,000 

4,340 

IV.     GREECE  AND   TURKEY, 

EXCLUSIVE  OF  PALESTINE. 

In  October,  1915,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  sent  a  first 
appropriation  of  $5,000  to  the  Hon.  Henry  Morgenthau,  American 
Ambassador  at  Constantinople,  for  distribution  in  Turkey.  The 
following  letter,  dated  November  16,  1915,  from  Ambassador  Mor- 
genthau describes  the  manner  in  which  this  s\im  was  distributed: 

With  reference  to  the  $5,000.00  which  you  sent  me  for  distribution  amongst 
the  needy  Jews  outside  of  Palestine,  I  desire  to  inform  you  that  after  having 
conferred  with  the  Grand  Rabbi  here,  I  concluded  to  distribute  the  amount  in 
question  (for  which  I  obtained  Ltq.  1,219.51  at  the  rate  of  4.10)  in  the  following 
proportions: 

Received Ltq.  1,219. 51 

Adrianople Ltq.  100. 00 

Dardenelles 100. 00 

Aleppo 100. 00 

Smyrna •     100.00 

Beirut 50. 00 

Broussa 50. 00 

500.00 

Ltq.  719.51 
Paid  for  Commission  and  telegraphs ; 4. 31 

Balance  for  Constantinople  Jews Ltq.  715. 20 

I  have  sent  to  the  various  local  relief  committees  the  above  specified  amotmts 
and  enclose  herewith  such  receipts  as  I  have  thus  far  obtained  from  them.  As 
you  will  notice  from  the  enclosed  receipt  of  Grand  Rabbi  Nahoum,  I  have  already 
paid  Ltq.  200  to  the  Constantinople  Relief  Committee,  so  that  I  have  now 
a  balance  of  Ltq.  515.20  which  I  shall  pay  them  at  the  rate  of  Ltq.  215  a  month. 

I  am  sending  you  with  this  mail  a  few  photographs  showing  the  distribution 
of  this  fund  among  Jews  in  one  of  the  suburbs  of  Constantinople.  The  misery 
that  one  can  witness  here  is  simply  appalHng,  and  I  assure  you  that  the  timely 
assistance  of  your  Committee  is  deeply  appreciated  by  all  the  Jews  here. 


Committee  for  Dardenelles  and  Gallipoli 

Following  is  a  report  of  the  Relief  Committee  for  the  Sufferers 
of  the  Dardenelles  .and  GalHpoH  submitted  to  the  American  Ambas- 
sador on  September  22,  1915: 

Six  months  ago,  following  events  which  are  familiar  to  you,  the  Jews  of 
Dardenelles  as  well  as  the  entire  population  of  that  city  were  obliged  to  abandon 

119 


120  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

their  homes  and  to  seek  refuge  in  a  certain  number  of  neighboring  locaHties, 
such  as  Lapsaki,  GallipoH,  Bigha,  Constantinople,  and  the  villages  of  Dardenelles. 
Our  co-religionists,  the  greater  part  of  whom  live  from  hand  to  mouth,  suddenly 
found  themselves  deprived  of  all  resources  and  without  shelter.  To  crown  their 
misery  it  was  on  the  eve  of  the  Passover  holidays  which  every  Jew  wished  to 
observe  scrupulously.  As  the  community  of  Dardenelles  had  not  had  the  time 
to  prepare  matzoth,  rich  and  poor  ran  the  risk  of  being  compelled  to  eat  ordinary 
bread  during  the  entire  festival.  A  desperate  appeal  on  behalf  of  the  poor 
was  thereupon  addressed  to  His  Eminence,  the  Grand  Rabbi  of  Turkey,  and  to 
the  Order  B'nai  B'rith,  which  were  not  slow  to  consider  it  and  to  take  the  necessary 
steps  to  aid  the  unfortimate  families.  The  Community  of  Dardenelles  practiced 
a  number  of  economies  and  sent  them  sixty  pounds  Turkish  which  made  possible 
the  distribution  of  relief  to  almost  all  the  needy. 

After  the  Passover,  the  situation  of  these  families  improved  but  slightly. 
Their  number  had  a  tendency  to  increase  because  those  who  had  some  resources 
exhausted  them  little  by  little  and  finally  augmented  the  number  of  the  needy. 
It  was  impossible  to  abandon  these  unfortunate  persons  to  their  fate.  It  was 
necessary  to  cast  about  for  some  means  of  supplying  them  with  their  daily  bread, 
although  this  task  would  be  a  \'ery  difficult  one.  While  His  Eminence,  the  Grand 
Rabbi,  the  members  of  the  Society  B'nai  B'rith,  and  the  notables  of  Dardenelles 
were  studying  at  the  capital  the  best  means  for  coming  to  the  aid  of  these  imfor- 
tunate  people,  it  was  learned  that  their  number  had  doubled,  perhaps  tripled, 
the  inhabitants  of  GallipoH  also  having  been  compelled  to  leave  their  homes,  to 
lose  their  livelihood  and  to  seek  asylum  elsewhere,  some  even  as  far  as  Rodosto, 
Panderma,  Tchardag  and  Lapsaki. 

Following  the  receipt  of  pressing  dispatches  and  letters  which  were  arriving 
from  all  parts  to  His  Eminence  and  to  the  Society  B'nai  B'rith,  a  new  subvention 
of  100  pounds  Turkish  was  voted,  and  at  the  same  time  a  special  commission 
composed  of  notables  of  Dardenelles  was  constituted  under  the  auspices  of  the 
latter  society  and  was  charged  with  the  gathering  of  information  concerning 
the  suffering  families,  the  collection  of  donations  and  the  judicious  distribution 
of  the  money  raised  among  the  various  places. 

Immediately  upon  its  constitution,  the  Committee  set  to  work,  and  rendered 
aid  in  the  most  urgent  cases.  At  the  same  time,  it  communicated  with  the 
Community  of  Dardenelles  and  with  the  charitable  organizations  of  that  city 
asking  them  to  turn  over  to  the  Committee  all  sums  which  they  had  at  their 
disposal. 

On  his  side,  His  Eminence,  the  Grand  Rabbi,  was  good  enough  to  intercede 
on  behalf  of  the  two  stricken  communities  with  His  Excellency,  the  Ambassador 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  who  did  not  hesitate  to  telegraph  to  a  charitable 
society  in  his  country  and  to  remit  to  us  a  short  time  afterwards  $2,500.00  or 
about  590  pounds  Turkish. 

These  liberalities  permitted  us  to  respond  to  all  the  demands  which  we 
received.  As  the  number  of  those  who  required  assistance  increased,  we  were 
compelled  to  exercise  the  greatest  economy  if  we  did  not  wish  that  our  work 
should  have  an  ephemeral  duration. 

Having  these  considerations  in  mind,  we  decided  to  grant  only  forty  paras 
(five  cents)  per  day  per  head  to  the  families  composed  of  three  members  or  less, 
and  thirty  paras  (less  than  four  cents)  per  day  per  head  to  the  famiUes  composed 
of  more  than  three  members.     Thanks  to  these  precautions,  we  have  been  able 


Committee  for  Dardenelles  and  Gallipoli.  121 

to  assist  1,760  persons  during  more  than  three  months.     These   persons  are 
scattered  in  about  20  localities  of  which  we  give  the  following  list: 

People 

Bairamich 60 

Bigha X 44 

Birgas 25 

Bilinkeuy 2 

Dardanelles 23 

Eusboc 120 

lapildag 76 

Gallipoli 45 

Isine 45 

Kara-Djoglou 13 

Kanguorli 48 

Komel 47 

Kourchourlou 40 

Ichocler 5 

Lapsaki 200 

Noussakouy 15 

Pandorma 35 

Sari-boyli 15 

Suledje 30 

Rodosto 708 

Tchardag 200 

Total 1,764 

Relief  was  administered  by  the  following  committees;  At  Rodosto  under 
the  presidency  of  the  Director  of  the  School  of  the  Alliance,  at  Lapsaki  by  the 
Director  of  the  School  of  the  Alliance  of  Dardenelles,  and  at  Panderma  by  the 
Director  of  the  School  of  Gallipoli.  From  Lapsaki  kind  persons  went  into  the 
neighboring  villages  and  assisted  the  sufferers. 

Although  on  principle  no  more  than  30  or  40  paras  were  to  be  allowed  for 
each  person,  as  a  matter  of  fact  account  had  to  be  taken  of  the  needs  of  each 
family,  and  this  sum  was  augmented  or  diminished  according  to  the  ability  or 
inability  of  the  family  in  question  to  procure  help  from  other  soiwces.  We  are 
persuaded  that  we  have  done  useful  work  not  only  in  assuring  the  daily  bread 
of  more  than  1,700  unfortunates,  but  also  and  especially  in  having  aided  a  large 
number  of  heads  of  families  to  pass  over  first  critical  weeks  of  their  arrival  in 
the  villages  and  by  procuring  them  the  means  of  resuming  little  by  little  their 
work  which  was  so  rudely  interrupted.  It  is  with  a  feeling  of  joy  that  we  have 
learned  that  some  heads  of  families  have  been  able  to  resume  business  and  to 
count  no  longer  exclusively  upon  us  for  subsistence. 


To-day  our  funds  are  exhausted  although  our  work  is  by  no  means  finished. 
If  some  families  no  longer  need  our  aid,  there  still  exists  a  large  number  of  widows, 
orphans,  families  of  soldiers  who  are  deprived  of  all  resources  and  who  look  to 
our  aid  as  our  ancestors  in  the  desert  looked  for  the  manna  from  heaven.  What 
will  become  of  these  unhappy  ones  now  that  we  are  unable  to  help  them?  What 
will  become  of  them  to-morrow  when  the  great  frosts  will  begin,  and  when  it 
will  be  necessary  to  provide  them  not  only  with  bread,  but  also  with  fuel,  clothing 
and  shelter?  To-day  many  families  live  in  brans  or  camp  in  the  open  air.  Will 
they  be  able  to  do  this  in  the  season  of  rain,  of  snow  and  of  wind?     They  will 


122  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

be  forced  to  again  migrate  to  take  up  again  the  path  of  the  exile,  to  go  to  new 
regions  where  other  famiHes  who  are  themselves  suffering  will  be  absolutely 
unable  to  assist  them. 

Commission  for  the  Assistance  of  Families  of  Jewish  Soldiers. 

Following  is  a  report  of  the  Commission  for  the  Assistance  of 
Families  of  Jewish  Soldiers,  in  Turkey,  explaining  the  condition  of 
the  Jews  there. 

Immediately  after  the  participation  of  Turkey  in  the  great  war,  the  first 
concern  of  the  Grand  Rabbinate  was  for  the  fate  of  those  poor  homes,  barely 
managing  to  exist  from  day  to  day,  who  would  be  deprived  of  their  natural 
protectors. 

The  general  mobilization  has  in  effect  thrown  a  great  number  of  families 
into  the  most  abysmal  misery  from  the  very  beginning.  The  urgency  of  relieving 
the  suffering  devolved  upon  our  community,  which,  in  spite  of  continued  financial 
difficulties,  had  maintained  the  work. 

To  meet  this  situation,  the  "Commission  for  the  Assistance  of  the  Families 
of  Jewish  Soldiers"  was  organized.  Our  first  task  was  that  of  procuring  a  list 
of  such  families,  the  number  of  members  in  such  families,  and  their  condition. 
To  effect  this  we  had  to  have  the  cooperation  of  the  Rabbis  and  administrators 
of  the  Capital. 

When  the  lists  were  drawn  up,  a  subscription  was  opened  among  our  co- 
religionists; each  brother,  forgetful  of  his  own  misfortune,  engaged  in  mutual 
rivalry  in  generosity  towards  the  work  of  humanity  and  Jewish  solidarity. 

Even  before  the  result  of  the  subscription  was  known,  our  Commission 
raised  some  funds  in  order  to  meet  the  direct  and  most  immediate  necessity. 
In  September,  1914,  13,847  piastres  were  distributed  among  2,750  souls,  five 
piastres  (25  cents)  a  month  being  allowed  for  each  person.  The  relief  was,  of 
course,  the  extreme  minimum,  each  of  the  families  relieved  being  barely  able  to 
buy  bread.  The  Commission  was  cognizant  of  this,  but  on  account  of  the  rapidly 
increasing  number  of  families  made  destitute  by  the  calling  of  all  classes  to  the 
colors,  and  the  comparative  meagerness  of  our  resources,  was  forced  to  limit 
itself. 

The  result  of  the  local  subscription  reassured  us,  for  it  permitted  us  to  carry 
on  our  charitable  activities  for  eight  months.  The  amount  reached  was  286, 101 .75 
piastres. 

Besides  these  monthly  distributions  during  the  Passover,  the  Committee 
distributed  matzoths  (which  were  double  the  price  of  bread),  underwear  and 
shoes  to  the  most  needy  as  well  as  all  things  necessary  for  the  accouchement  of 
poorer  women.  Also  those  soldiers  stationed  near  Constantinople  received 
matzoths,  and  a  subsidy  in  coin  from  10  to  20  piastres  each.  The  entire 
Passover  expenditures  came  to  43,050  piastres. 

It  was  impossible  for  us  to  directly  cover  all  parts  of  Constantinople  for 
investigations,  registrations,  etc.  To  obviate  difficulties,  sub-committees  were 
formed  in  the  various  Jewish  districts  of  the  city,  the  members  of  which  were 
chosen  by  the  Rabbis,  notables  and  aides  of  the  civil  administration.  The 
sub-committees  are  in  continual  correspondence  with  the  Central  Committee; 
they  are  charged  with  the  distribution  of  funds,  investigations,  enrollments,  etc. 
The  detailed  account  of  each  distribution,  properly  signed,  is  sent  to  us  fre- 


Reports  of  Chief  Rabbi  of  Salonica.  123 

quently.  Inspections  are  constantly  made  in  all  quarters  of  the  city,  as  is  also 
the  search  for  needy  cases. 

At  the  beginning  of  June,  when  we  had  only  enough  for  a  final  distribution, 
we  had  recourse  to  the  benevolence  of  Mr.  Morgenthau,  to  whom  we  explained 
the  desperate  situation  in  which  those  families  would  be  placed  if  the  relief  was 
to  give  out. 

Mr.  Morgenthau  gave  renewed  proof  of  his  exalted  soul  and  endeavored  to 
interest  the  Jewish  benevolent  committees  of  New  York.  We  have  now,  owing  to 
the  appropriation  of  $2,500  from  New  York,  proceeded  to  the  July  and  August 
distribution,  and  we  are  now  preparing  the  lists  for  the  September  distribution 
of  this  generous  gift. 

Our  Committee  is  happy  to  express  on  this  occasion  our  continued  gratitude 
to  our  American  co-religionists  for  their  noble  actions  towards  our  community 
in  response  to  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Morgenthau. 

A  poignant  question  now  confronts  us,  "What  about  October?"  The 
season  will  bring  forth  miseries,  some  of  which  we  cannot  foresee.  The  economic 
condition  of  the  country  is  growing  worse,  and  it  will  be  physically  impossible 
for  our  Jewish  citizens  to  give  any  large  contributions.  Commerce,  trade  are 
paralyzed,  and  we  look  forward  to  a  disheartening  winter. 

As  a  piece  of  simple  information  we  digress  and  give  the  following.  In 
the  center  of  Constantinople  there  is  a  Jewish  district  called  Haskeuy,  where  a 
congested  population  of  15,000  Jews,  mostly  indigents,  are  gathered.  The  con- 
dition of  this  population  has  grown  more  and  more  horrible  since  the  war  began. 

Having  been  informed  of  this  state  of  affairs,  our  community  has  formed  a 
Commission  under  the  presidency  of  our  Grand  Rabbi  to  improve  the  situation. 
This  committee  has  been  working  for  some  time.  It  tries  to  obtain  small  capital 
for  the  heads  of  families,  to  care  for  the  sick,  to  assure  a  pension  to  the  widows 
and  orphans,  to  distribute  articles  of  accouchement,  underwear,  fuel,  to  aid  the 
schools.     For  eight  months  we  have  continued  this  relief. 

The  Commission  of  relief,  which  has  its  headquarters  at  the  Grand 
Rabbinate,  is  now  permanent,  having  a  monthly  drawing  account  of  between 
1,000  and  1,200  piastres  from  the  communal  funds. 

Although  our  community  has  shown  clear  proof  of  solidarity  in  the  moments 
of  stagnation  and  precariousness,  the  Commission  cannot  continue  its  work 
without  the  generosity  of  ou*r  American  brethren.  Having  a  profound  faith  in 
their  charitable  sentiments,  we  hope  that  in  these  sad  days  they  will  obey  the 
traditions  of  Jewish  generosity  and  not  leave  us  in  our  great  misfortune. 


REPORTS  OF  CHIEF  RABBI  OF  SALONICA. 

In  November  the  Committee  received  an  urgent  appeal  for 
help  from  the  Grand  Rabbi  of  Salonica.  The  sum  of  $1,000.00  was 
sent  to  him  through  Mr.  Morgenthau.  Following  is  a  letter,  dated 
November  17,  1915,  acknowledging  receipt  of  this  sum: 

I  have  the  honor  to  bring  to  your  knowledge  the  fact  that  His  Eminence, 
Mr.  Morgenthau,  Minister  of  the  United  States  at  Constantinople,  has  remitted 
to  us  the  sum  of  5,162  Drachmas,  equivalent  to  $1,000.00,  on  account  of  your 
Honorable  Committee.  Not  having  received  any  advice  from  you  on  the  subject 
of  this  remittance,  I  have  been  led  to  presume  that  it  is  intended  for  the  aid  of 


124  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

the  Jews  expelled  from  Syria  who  have  taken  refuge  in  Can6e.  As  I  have  already 
explained  to  you  in  my  letter  of  the  29th  of  September,  last,  the  care  of  these 
refugees  until  the  end  of  the  war  having  been  assured  by  the  Consulates  of  Eng- 
land and  France  at  Can6e,  I  have  considered  it  unnecessary  to  send  this  money 
to  the  presumed  destination,  and  am  keeping  it  at  your  disposal  until  the  arrival 
of  your  instructions. 

Mr.  President,  it  is  with  the  most  profound  emotion  that  I  find  myself 
obliged  to  come  a  second  time  to  solicit  your  help  in  favor  of  the  Jewish  com- 
munity of  this  city.  You  know  very  well  that  our  community  has  imposed 
upon  itself  up  to  the  present  time  all  the  possible  sacrifices  in  order  to  meet  all 
its  own  needs  without  having  recourse  to  the  generosity  of  outsiders.  Unfor- 
tunately, the  community  finds  itself  at  the  present  time  in  an  impasse  from 
which  it  is  impossible  to  go  for  the  following  reasons:  In  about  four  months 
we  will  have  the  festival  of  Passover.  In  order  to  provide  matzoths  for  the  poor 
families  of  our  city  alone,  it  will  be  necessary  to  expend  the  sum  of  80,000  francs, 
although  the  sacrifice  for  this  purpose  needed  formerly  was  onty  about  30,000 
francs. 

The  quantity  of  matzoths  distributed  free  of  charge  to  the  poor  in  normal 
times,  which  was  55,000  ocques,  will  cost  this  year  65,000  francs,  at  a  price  of 
1.50  francs  per  ocque,  although  formerly  this  price  was  not  more  than  60  centimes. 
This  is  a  sacrifice  which  our  community  will  never  be  able  to  bear.  This  condition 
makes  us  tremble  and  obliges  us  to  turn  to  your  benevolence. 

Intercede,  I  pray  you,  with  your  Honorable  Committee  in  order  that  we 
may  get  its  powerful  support  in  this  critical  time. 

Although  four  months  separate  us  from  the  approaching  festival  of  Passover, 
our  community  must  now  begin  to  make  preparations  for  getting  the  necessary 
wheat. 

Lend  us  once  again  your  efficient  help  and  put  us  in  a  position  to  relieve  a 
large  number  of  families  once  well-to-do,  and  to-day  in  the  greatest  misery. 

Our  community  will  guard  your  memory  forever  and  the  relieved  families 
will  not  cease  to  bless  the  names  of  their  benefactors. 

I  beg  you  to  be  good  enough  to  excuse,  Mr.  President,  the  liberty  which 
I  am  taking  to  approach  you  in  these  circumstances  and  with  my  thanks  in 
advance,  I  beg  you  to  accept  the  expression  of  my  most  devoted  sentiments. 

The  Grand  Rabbi. 

(Signed)  J.  Meir. 

In  December,  1915,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee  sent  the 
sum  of  $25,000.00  to  the  Grand  Rabbi  of  Salonica,  instructing  him 
to  administer  this  fund  for  the  rehef  of  destitute  Jews  in  Salonica 
and  in  the  interior  of  Greece.  Following  is  a  letter,  dated  March  7, 
1916,  from  the  Grand  Rabbi,  stating  how  this  mone^^  was  to  be 
distributed : 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  the  kind  letter  which  your 
Treasurer  addressed  to  me  under  date  of  December  28th,  last,  and  which  reached 
me  yesterday  after  a  lapse  of  almost  two  months;  I  have  also  received  your 
honorable  letter  of  the  24th  of  the  same  month,  to  which  I  have  not  replied,  it 
having  crossed  with  my  letter  of  January  10th,  last. 

The  sum  of  $25,000.00  which  you  have  sent  me  was  turned  over  to  me  on 


Reports  of  Chief  Rabbi  of  Salonica.  125' 

January  5th  through  the  good  offices  of  Mr.  Kehl,  Consul  of  the  United  States 
at  Salonica,  in  the  name  of  the  Secretary  of  State  at  Washington.  I  am  seizing 
this  occasion  to  express  to  you,  Mr.  President,  on  behalf  of  the  entire  Jewish 
population  of  this  region  as  well  as  in  my  own  name,  our  thanks  for  the  noble 
act  which  your  honorable  Committee  has  been  good  enough  to  perform  in  these 
circumstances. 

I  hasten  to  inform  you  that  as  soon  as  I  came  into  the  possession  of  the  sum 
mentioned  above,  I  charged  a  commission,  formed  by  the  Presidents  of  the  three 
councils  of  this  community,  to  prepare  a  program  with  regard  to  the  distribution 
of  this  money.  Up  to  the  present  time,  important  assistance  in  supplies  and  in 
currency  have  been  distributed  to  needy  families  in  Salonica.  A  part  has  been 
appropriated  for  the  different  communities  of  the  interior  and  a  large  sum  has 
been  set  aside  to  supply  the  needs  of  our  co-religionists  for  the  approaching 
Passover  holidays  with  regard  to  which  I  wrote  to  you  on  November  17th,  last. 

The  number  of  Jewish  families  to  be  assisted  on  this  occasion  and  the 
subsidies  to  be  accorded  to  the  Jewish  soldiers  of  the  various  armies  now  at 
Salonica,  and  who  exceed  3,000  in  number,  cannot  be  determined  at  the  present 
moment.  It  is  therefore  not  possible  to  send  you  just  now  the  detailed  report 
for  which  you  ask.  After  the  Passover  holidays,  we  will  be  in  position  to  give 
you  a  satisfactory  statement. 

The  following  is  a  letter,  dated  May  10,  1916,  explaining  the 
principles  which  guided  the  committee  in  Salonica  in  the  distribution 
of  the  various  amounts  remitted.  This  letter  is  followed  by  financial 
statements  rendered  by  the  Grand  Rabbi  of  Salonica: 

I  have  the  honor  to  confirm  my  letter  of  the  7th  of  March  last,  and 
complying  with  your  wish,  I  present  herewith  a  statement  showing  the 
distribution  of  the  donation  of  $25,000  which  your  honorable  Committee 
has  been  good  enough  to  appropriate  in  favor  of  the  needy  Jews  of  Salonica 
and  vicinity.  I  beg  to  inform  you  that  the  special  commission  which  has 
cooperated  with  me  in  the  distribution  of  your  gift,  and  which  is,  as  I 
informed  you  in  a  previous  letter,  composed  of  the  presidents  of  the  three 
communal  councils,  taking  into  consideration  the  present  critical  situation 
in  this  region  and  desiring  to  provide  for  events  which  are  likely  to  occur 
at  a  future  date,  has  considered  it  advisable  to  exercise  a  certain  amount 
of  reserve  in  the  distribution  of  help.  In  fact,  although  it  would  have 
been  necessary  to  expend  very  much  more  money  in  order  to  relieve  the 
misery  which  obtains  at  the  present  time  among  various  classes  of  the 
Jewish  population,  yet  recognizing  the  sound  basis  of  the  reasoning  of  the 
special  commission,  I  have  felt  obliged  to  abide  by  this  advice  and  have 
permitted  the  holding  of  a  reserve  fund  of  about  40,000  drachmas,  of  which 
I  shall  make  it  my  duty  to  communicate  to  you  later. 

I  take  advantage  of  this  occasion  to  announce  to  you  that  the  thousands 
of  needy  families,  both  of  Salonica  and  of  the  interior,  who  have  benefited 
by  your  generosity,  do  not  cease  to  bless  the  names  of  their  benefactors 
and  to  pray  to  the  Almighty  to  accord  to  them  prosperity  and  good  fortune. 
I  add  my  most  sincere  prayers  to  those  of  all  the  communities  of  our  region 
and  invoke  the  benedictions  of  all  the  members  of  your  honorable  Com- 
mittee, who  by  such  noble  acts  have  raised  the  prestige  of  universal  Judaism. 


126 


Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 


STATEMENT  OF  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OF  $2,500  SENT  BY  THE  AMERI- 
CAN JEWISH  RELIEF  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE  BENEFIT  OF  THE 
POOR  JEWISH  FAMILIES  OF  EPIRUS. 


Receipts. 

Drachmas 
March  30,  1916,  from  the 
American  Jewish  Relief  Com- 
mittee through  Mr.  Kehl, 
Consul  of  the  U.  S.  at  vSalon- 
ica,  S2,500.00,  which  is  equiv- 
alent to 12,685 


Total Drachmas  12,685 


Disbursements. 

Drachmas 
April,   1916,  sent  to  the  com- 
munities of  Epirus: 

At  Janina. .- 6,560 

At  Arta 2,500 

At  Preveza 2,000 

At  Delvino 300 

At  Philippiada 300 

At  Arguirveastro 200 

At  Philiath 200 

At  Parga..... 200 

At  Metzovo 200 

At  Paramitia 200 

Expenditures 25 

Total Drachmas  12,685 


STATEMENT  OF  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OF  $1,000  SENT  BY  THE  AMERI- 
CAN   JEWISH  RELIEF   COMMITTEE   FOR  THE   RELIEF   OF 
THE   NEEDY    JEWS    OF    CRETE    AND    OF    THE 
JEWISH    REFUGEES    FROM  SYRIA. 


Receipts. 

Drachmas 
November  17,  1915,  from  the 
American  Jewish  Relief  Com- 
mittee, through  Mr.  Morgen- 
thau,  U.  S.  Ambassador  at 
Constantinople,  $1 ,000 .  00, 
equivalent  to 5,162 


Total Drachmas  5,162 


Disbtirsements. 

Drachmas 
May,  1916,  sent  to  Crete  for 
the  following: 

For     125     refugees    from 

Syria 2,000 

For  280  native  Jews 840 

For  expenses  of  the  school 

for  refugees 300 

Total Drachmas  3,140 

Balance  on  hand   May   10, 

1916 2,022 

Total Drachmas  5,162 


Reports  of  Chief  Rabbi  of  Salonica. 


127 


STATEMENT  OF  THE  DISTRIBUTION  OF  $25,000  SENT  BY  THE  JOINT 

DISTRIBUTION  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE  RELIEF  OF  THE 

JEWS  OF  SALONICA  AND  VICINITY. 


Receipts. 


Drachmas 


[an.  6,  1916,  from  Joint  Dis- 
tribution Committee  through 
the  Department  of  State  of 
the  U.  S.,  equivalent  to 126,550 


Carried  forward .....  126,550 


Disbtirsements. 

Drachmas 

Feb.  20,  1916,  to  the  committee 
of  the  charitable  Society 
Yechouoi  Verahamun  for  im- 
mediate assistance,  such  as 
coal,  clothing,  milk  and  other 
food  for  indigent  sick 10,000 

March  30,  to  the  special  com- 
munal commission  for  the 
distribution  of  matzos  to  the 
needy 40,000 

April  10,  to  the  Society  for  the 
support  of  the  Rabbinat  for 
subsidies  to  be  given  to  poor 
families  of  the  members  of 
the  Rabbinat 5,000 

April  10,  to  the  Committee  for 
the  distribution  of  relief  for 
subsidies  to  the  hitherto 
prominent  families  at  pres- 
ent in  need 10,312 

April  10,  sent  to  the  communi- 
ties of  the  interior: 

Serres Drachmas  3,000 

Monastir 3,000 

Fiorina 440 

Veria 100 

Chios 33 

Zakintos  (Old 

Greece) 300 

6,873 

April  20,  subsidies  given  to 
refugees  from  Istip,  Strum- 
nitz,  Monastir  and  other 
places  now  in  Salonica 2,500 

April  20,  cost  of  3,200  kilo- 
grams of  matzos  sent  to  Jew- 
ish soldiers  of  the  AUied 
armies  on  various  fronts ....      4,490 

April  20,  subsidies  and  matzos 
given  to  230  Jewish  soldiers 
of  the  Greek  army  on  fur- 
lough, in  Salonica,  for  pass- 
over 1,500 

May  1,  cost  of  food  for  200 
Jewish  soldiers  of  the  Allied 
armies  on  furlough  in  Salon- 
ica during  Passover  (5,080 
meals) 1,160 

May  1,  cost  of  food  and  matzos 
sent  to  Jewish  soldiers  in  the 
garrison  of  Sedes 200 

May  1,  loans  to  Serbian  fami- 
lies now  in  Salonica 515 

Carried  f  jrvvir  1 


128  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Receipt9~ConUnued.  Dishursementu— Continued. 

Drachmas  Drachmas 

Brought  forward 126,550  Brought  forward 82,550 

May  1,  to  the  commission  for 
the  protection  of  the  Hirsh 
quarter,  to  repair  the  bar- 
racks of  poor  Jewish  families, 
damaged  by  a  recent  aerial 
bombardment 3,500 

Total Drachmas  86,050 

Balance  on  hand   May   10, 

1916 40.500 


Total Drachmas  126,550  Total Drachmas  126,550 

Report  of  the  disbursements  of  the  funds,  received  at  the  Grand 
Rabbinat  from  America,  in  conformity  with  the  instructions  of  the 
Department  of  State  at  Washington,  contained  in  the  letters  of 
March  8th  and  of  March  10th,  1916,  and  conveyed  to  the  Grand 
Rabbinat  by  Hon.  Mr.  Phillip,  Acting  Ambassador  of  U.  S.  A.  at 
Constantinople : 

1.  Dardanelles. — A  Committee  composed  of  Messrs.  I.  Bosaldo, 
D.  Calderon  and  S.  D.  Levy  was  created,  and  $1,500.00  or  £352  placed 
at  its  disposal.  This  sum  was  distributed  among  the  Jewish  refugees 
in  this  city  in  proportion  to  their  needs.  Besides  this,  and  before  the 
arrival  of  this  help,  we  distributed  £100  to  supply  the  special  needs  for 
Passover.  This  was  distributed  further  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  S.  D. 
Levy,  President  of  the  Colony  of  Refugees  from  the  Dardanelles  in  Con- 
stantinople. We  have  deducted  this  sum  from  the  relief  money  which  we 
received  from  America. 

2.  Aleppo.— The  $750.00  or  £176  intended  for  this  city  has  been 
forwarded  to  Chief  Rabbi  Hizkia  Schabetray  on  April  27th,  to  be  given 
to  a  Committee,  composed  of  Messrs.  Yom-Tov  Schamasch,  Joseph 
Schamasch,  Murad  Tawil,  Yesaia  Rafoul,  Aaron  Silvera  and  Rabbi  Salomon 
Elia  Laniado.  This  city  was  also  helped  at  regular  intervals  with  sums 
varying  between  40  pounds  and  50  pounds  out  of  the  money  which  the 
Jewish  Committee  in  New  York  placed  at  our  disposal. 

3.  Gallipoli. — ^We  have  written  to  Mr.  Preciado  Yohai  to  inform 
him  that  the  sum  of  $500.00  or  £117,  had  been  received  for  the  use  of  the 
poor  of  the  city,  and  we  have  requested  him  to  organize  a  Committee,  of 
which  he  should  be  a  member,  for  the  purpose  of  distributing  the  relief 
money.  This  Committee  has  just  been  formed,  and  we  have  ttuned  over 
the  sum  mentioned,  also  furnished  it  with  instructions  as  to  the  method 
of  organizing  the  relief  work. 

4.  Magnesia.— Or?  April  27th  £19  or  $80.00  was  forwarded  to  Mr. 
Behor  Gomel,  with  the  urgent  request  to  have  it  distributed  among  the 
needy  families,  with  the  collaboration  of  Messrs.  Moise  Gomel  and  Feyzi 
Nahoum  as  members  of  the  Committee.  This  community  had  a  share  in 
the  general  relief  funds  from  America. 


Reports  of  Chief  Rabbi  of  Salonica.  129 

5.  Monastir.— The  sum  of  $200.00  intended  for  this  city  has  been 
sent  to  Mr.  David  Pipano,  Rabbi  of  Sofia,  through  the  Wiener  Bank  Asso- 
ciation of  our  city,  and  exchanged  for  Bulgarian  money,  about  1.233.75 
levos.  Prior  to  that,  on  January  25th,  we  had  sent  to  Monastir,  through 
the  same  medium,  854  levos,  which  Hon.  Henry  Morgenthau  instructed 
us  to  send  there.  The  instructions  contained  in  the  letter  from  Mr.  War- 
burg have  been  conveyed  to  Rabbi  Pipano,  requesting  him  to  organize  a 
Committee  of  Distribution  in  this  city,  to  be  composed  of  Messrs.  S. 
Nathama,  I.  Arouste,  A.  Alosldi,  S.  Aroesti  and  M.  Testa. 

6.  Tchorlou. — The  Committee  composed  of  Messrs.  B.  Behar,  R. 
Barocas,  M.  D.  Barocas,  I.  Eskenazi  and  B.  S.  Barocas,  took  charge  of  the 
$102.00  or  £24  of  April  28th.  Since  the  last  earthquake,  this  city  has  suffered 
great  want,  and  the  Jewish  section  especially,  which  was  entirely  destroyed 
by  fire.  At  that  time,  a  subscription  bureau  was  opened  by  the  Chief 
Rabbi.  Assistance  was  given  to  those  who  needed  it  most  urgently.  The 
Committee  which  had  been  organized  at  that  time,  decided  to  apply  the 
balance  remaining  from  the  subscriptions  in  order  to  construct  a  few  huts. 
This  project  could  not  be  put  into  execution,  because  of  the  existing  con- 
ditions, and  we  have  been  obliged  to  draw  upon  this  fund  in  order  to  send 
£200  to  the  Committee  of  Tchourlou  before  Passover,  for  the  relief  of  the 
families  in  distress  because  of  the  present  war. 

7.  Mrs — We  have  had  this  lady,  to  whom  the  sum 

of  $10.00  had  been  sent,  report  to  us.     She  lives  at ,  in  the 

home  of  her  maternal  uncle,  Mr She  never  before  appealed 

to  the  Chief  Rabbi,  because  she  received  the  regular  pension  which  the 
government  gives  to  the  families  of  soldiers  who  are  without  support,  but 
when  her  husband  died  the  pension  was  cut  off.  Then  she  appealed  to 
the  Chief  Rabbi,  who  immediately  entered  her  name  on  the  register  of 
"The  Committee  of  Assistance  for  the  Families  of  Jewish  Soldiers,"  and 
apportioned  a  monthly  pension  to  her.  Besides  this,  the  Chief  Rabbi  is 
trying  to  find  some  suitable  work  for  her  in  order  to  ameliorate  her  con- 
dition. 

(This  is  one  example,  out  of  hundreds,  of  the  information  we 
are  obtaining  from  otir  correspondents  in  answer  to  appeals  of  Jews 
in  America  for  news  of  their  relatives  and  friends  in  the  different 
War  Zones,  Palestine,  etc.) 

In  addition  to  the  above,  a  detailed  report  is  being  prepared, 
containing  the  complete  information  relative  to  the  organization 
and  work  undertaken  since  the  second  month  of  the  general  mobili- 
zation; the  method  of  distribution;  statistics  of  the  families  assisted; 
widov/s  of  the  soldiers;  orphans,  etc.  It  will  be  ready  as  soon  as 
the  distribution  for  the  month  of  May  is  completed. 

As  to  the  Provinces,  we  are  waiting  for  the  replies  which  we 
have  asked  from  the  various  cities,  in  order  to  complete  our  second 
report. 


V.     PALESTINE. 

On  August  31,  1914,  $50,000  was  appropriated  for  Palestine 
relief  as  follows: 

American  Jewish  Committee $25,000. 00 

Jacob  H.  Schiff 12,500. 00 

Provisional  Executive  Committee  for  General 

Zionist  Affairs  (Nathan  Straus) 12,500. 00 

A  report  as  to  the  plan  of  distribution  of  this  fund  was  presented 
on  October  21,  1914,  by  Mr.  Maurice  Wertheim,  who  went  to  Pales- 
tine for  the  purpose  of  carrying  the  money  there,  and  of  working 
out  a  plan  for  distribution.  This  report  has  been  presented  in  full 
in  the  American  Jewish  Year  Book  of  1915-16,  on  page  360.  The 
following  reports  have  been  received  from  the  committee  in  charge, 
consisting  of  Dr.  Ruppin  of  Jaffa,  Mr.  Ephraim  Cohn  of  Jerusalem, 
and  Mr.  Aaron  Aaronsohn  of  Haifa. 

REPORT  OF  DR.  ARTHUR  RUPPIN 

(To  Provisional  Zionist  Committee) 

July  1,  1915, 

On  the  $50,000  Fund  Distributed  by  Mr.  Maurice  Wertheim. 


Appropriation. 

American  Jewish  Committee $25,000.00 

Jacob  H.  Schiff 12,500. 00 

Proxasional  Executive  Committee  for 
General  Zionist  Affairs  (Nathan 
Straus) 12,500. 00 


$50,000.00  or  251,998.02  Francs. 
Distribution. 


Fund 

No.  Relief  Loans           Totals 

1.  Jaffa Fr.  14,140.00  16,697.72  30,837.72 

2.  Judaean  Colonies 4,850. 00  24,150. 00  29,000. 00 

3.  Jerusalem 72,698.52  45,513.06  118,211.58 

4.  Samaria  and  Galilee 67,924. 28       67,924. 28 


Fr.  159,612.80     86,360.78  245,973.58 

Balance  on  hand .  5,119.  53 

Administrative   Expense    (Travel- 
ling Expenses,  Postage,  etc.) ...          904. 91 


159,612.80     86,360.78   251,998.02 
131 


132  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

SUMMARY  OF  STATEMENT  BY  DR.  RUPPIN,  MAY  5,  1915. 
I.    Vaad  Hakalat  Hamischber  (Committee  for  Relief  in  Crisis). 

The  outbreak  of  the  great  war  in  August,  1914,  created  an  economic  crisis 
in  Palestine,  which  was  intensified  when  Turkey  declared  war  several  months 
later.  In  the  belief  that  the  crisis  would  not  last  more  than  a  few  months,  the 
Vaad  Hakalat  Hamischber  was  organized  for  the  purpose  of  alleviating  the 
distress  of  the  Jewish  population  and  to  raise  the  fimds  locally.  The  Vaad 
affiliated  itself  with  the  council  in  charge  of  general  Jewish  affairs  in  Jaffa,  and 
collections  were  begun  in  Jaffa  and  Tel-Aviv.  It  soon  appeared  that  the  Vaad, 
with  its  limited  means,  could  not  cope  with  the  situation  alone.  Special  com- 
mittees were  therefore  organized  for  particular  purposes:  the  Vaad  Hakemach 
(Flour  Committee)  for  the  distribution  of  bread  and  flour;  the  Vaad  Hamuchad, 
representing  the  laborers  and  artisans;  a  committee  on  public  works  for  the 
employment  of  penniless  laborers,  etc. 

Before  any  relief  funds  arrived  from  America,  the  Vaad  Hakalat  Hamischber 
distributed  bread,  flour  and  other  food  supplies  through  sub-committees  of  the 
Yemenite,  Sephardic  and  Ashkenasic  communities  of  Jaffa.  Public  kitchens 
were  established  and  maintained.  A  kitchen  was  established  for  working  people, 
but  was  later  given  up  when  their  economic  condition  improved.  A  tea-room 
was  opened  nearby.  Loans  were  granted  to  several  Jaffa  institutions  (the 
hospital,  for  instance)  and  to  private  individuals  who  were  cut  off  from  their 
financial  connections  in  Europe  and  America. 


II.    Vaad  Hakemach  (Flour  Committee). 

In  normal  times  Palestine  produces  enough  grain  for  its  own  consumption 
and  even  for  export.  But  a  bread  famine  was  threatened  early  in  the  war  because 
of  the  heavy  military  requisitions,  and  because  of  the  difficulties  of  transporting 
grain  from  the  Hauran  and  Galilee  to  Jaffa  and  southern  Palestine.  A  few  well- 
to-do  men  organized  the  Vaad  Hakemach  and  obtained  a  loan  from  the  Anglo- 
Palestine  Company  on  their  personal  guarantees.  They  bought  up  flour  all 
over  the  country,  had  it  milled,  and  placed  on  sale  at  2  to  3  francs  per  bag  below 
the  market  price.  The  most  important  achievement  of  the  Vaad  Hakemach 
was  in  keeping  the  market  price  of  flour  down  by  having  large  quantities  on  hand, 
and  thus  saving  the  public  from  the  speculators.  The  Vaad  Hakemach  was  also 
very  helpful  to  the  public  kitchens,  the  school  kitchens,  the  working  people's 
societies  and  the  Vaad  Hamischber,  because  by  selling  them  flour  at  a  low  price 
and  delivering  it  promptly,  they  were  able  to  keep  up  their  work. 


in.    Supply  Shops  of  the  American  Relief  Fimd. 

Although  there  were  adequate  supplies  in  the  country  at  first,  there  was 
serious  danger  that  speculators  would  corner  the  market  and  have  the  public 
at  their  mercy.  Three  shops  were  opened  with  American  relief  funds  in  different 
quarters  in  Jaffa,  where  food  and  petroleum  were  sold  at  cost.  These  shops 
were  also  of  great  service  because  they  accepted  the  checks  of  the  Anglo-Palestine 
Company  at  a  discount  of  only  10  per  cent.,  and  thus  practically  compelled 


Report  of  Dr.  Arthur  Ruppin.  133 

private  merchants  to  do  the  same.  When  the  Government  forbade  the  circula- 
tion of  these  emergency  checks,  the  shops  issued  booklets  to  their  customers  in 
which  credit  was  given  for  tlie  amount  of  checks  deposited  with  them,  less  10  per 
cent,  discount.  This  prevented  the  loss  of  several  hundred  thousand  francs' 
worth  of  the  checks  in  circulation  in  Jaffa. 

The  American  Relief  Fund  allowed  space  in  its  shops  to  the  Vaad  Hakemach 
for  the  sale  of  its  bread  and  flour.  This  was  done  to  save  rent  and  other  expenses 
for  the  Vaad  Hakemach. 

The  shops  suffered  from  a  heavy  military  requisition,  and  by  May,  1915, 
their  supplies  were  exhausted.  They  were  then  expecting  to  replenish  their 
stocks  from  the  food  ship  "Vulcan." 


IV.    Public  Works. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Works,  organized  early  in  the  war  in  the  interest 
of  the  unemployed  and  destitute  Jewish  laborers  of  Jaffa,  cooperated  with  the 
Vaad  Hamuchad  (the  Laborers'  committee)  in  working  out  plans  for  public 
works  to  keep  the  needy  employed.  The  funds  available  were  to  be  used  only 
for  the  payment  of  wages,  but  not  for  building  materials,  etc.  Streets  were 
laid  out,  drains  and  irrigation  work  undertaken,  pavements  laid  and  repaired, 
the  students'  quarters  at  the  Gymnasia  Ibrit  completed,  etc.  When  the  Gov- 
ernment prohibited  the  laying  of  streets  near  the  seashore,  the  smaller  works 
were  continued.  Finally,  arrangements  were  made  with  private  builders  who 
had  had  to  suspend  their  operations  because  of  lack  of  funds.  The  wages  of 
the  laborers  were  met  by  the  committee,  which  also  granted  loans  to  the  builders 
at  low  rates  of  interest,  payable  after  the  raising  of  the  moratorium. 


V.    Public  Loan  Fund. 

Loans  were  granted  to  about  900  persons  who  were  in  straits  because  their 
communications  with  foreign  countries  had  been  interrupted  by  the  war.  These 
loans  were  granted  on  valuables,  property  and  checks  not  now  redeemable. 

Jaffa  institutions  hitherto  largely  maintained  by  contributions  from  America 
are  now  subventioned  and  partially  supervised  by  the  Distribution  Committee 
of  the  American  Relief  Fimd.  Among  these  institutions  are  several  public 
kitchens  (e.  g.,  the  Gymnasia  Ibrit  pupil  kitchen,  the  Alliance  school  kitchen, 
where  several  hundred  children  are  fed,  several  Talmud  Torah  kitchens,  etc.), 
the  Jaffa  hospital  and  the  orphan  asylum. 

About  1,000  francs  were  appropriated  for  flour  for  needy  Arabs.  The 
flour  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  local  Commandant  and  Mufti  for  dis- 
tribution. 

The  siun  of  800  francs  was  used  to  aid  poor  Jewish  soldiers  near  Jaffa. 


134  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

AGREEMENT  FOR  DISTRIBUTION  OF  RELIEF  FUNDS  IN  PALESTINE. 

The  Joint  Distribution  Committee  accepted  on  November  29, 
1915  the  agreement  which  had  been  entered  into  between  the 
Provisional  Executive  Committee  for  General  Zionist  Affairs  and 
the  Central  Jewish  Relief  Committee,  for  the  distribution  of  the 
relief  funds  in  Palestine.  The  various  committees  agreed  that  in 
future  all  relief  funds  sent  to  Palestine  should  be  transmitted  in 
accordance  with  this  agreement,  which  is  as  follows; 

Agreement 

entered  into  on  October  27,  1915,  between  the  Zionist  Provisional  Committee 
and  the  Central  Committee  for  the  Relief  of  Jews  Suffering  through  the  War, 
with  reference  to  the  sending  of  relief  funds  to  Palestine. 

Central  relief  for  Palestine  shall  be  designated  in  the  following  proportions 
and  shall  be  brought  into  one  common  treasury  and  forwarded  m  the  names  of 
the  parties  to  this  agreement: 

Per  cent. 

50 Jerusalem,  Hebron,  Moza 

5 Tiberias 

13 Safed,  Einstitun,  Pekein 

4 Colonies  of  Galilee 

3 Haifa 

25 Jaffa  and  Judean  Colonies,  including 

Zichron  Jacob  and  Hederah 

The  money  shall  be  sent  to  the  U.  S.  Consul  at  Jerusalem  for  all  of  the 
cities  in  Palestine  except  Safed  and  Tiberias.  The  latter  two  cities  to  be  reached 
through  the  medium  of  the  U.  S.  Consul  at  Beyruth,  it  being  nearer  to  the  last- 
named  places.  The  Consuls  shall  pay  out  the  money  in  the  above  proportions 
against  vouchers  to  be  signed  by  an  authorized  committee,  named  below,  in 
whom  this  power  is  to  be  vested. 

The  Committee  on  Vouchers  for  Jerusalem. 

Asher  Yelinsky,  David  Yellin,  Solomon  Soloweiczik,  Joseph  Elysher  and 
Solomon  Rubin. 


The  Committee  on  Distribution  in  Jerusalem. 

Zalman  Rubin,  Solomon  Perlman,  Asher  Yelinsky,  Mayer  Adler,  Aaron 
Mordecai  Sommer,  Isaac  Chagis,  Wolf  Shocher,  Ber  Epstein,  Alter  Rivlin, 
Isaac  Shiryon,  Mendel  Nuneshter,  Zalman  Soloweiczik,  Dr.  Auerback,  Samuel 
Kuk,  Chaim  Solomon,  Selig  Lider,  David  Yellin,  Dr.  Maze,  Samuel  M.  Rafaheli, 
Solomon  Roth,  Joseph  Elusher,  Moses  D.  Shub,  Joseph  Mejuchas,  Solomon 
Musioff,  Eliezer  Kliansky  for  Hebron,  Elijah  Panizel  and  the  Chairman  of  the 
Yemenite  Community. 


Agreement  for  Distribution  in  Palestine.  135 

The  Committee  on  Vouchers  for  Jaffa. 

Haham  Bashi,  Rabbi  Uziel,  Rabbi  Schach  and  Dr.  Ruppin. 

The  Committee  on  Distribution  for  Jaffa. 

Rabbi  Abraham,  Isaac  Kuk,  Rabbi  of  Jaffa,  or,  in  his  absence,  Rabbi  Solo- 
mon Schach,  Samuel  Askenazy,  Dr.  A.  Ruppin,  Dr.  Chesin,  Abraham  Lew, 
Elias  Aaron,  Cahane,  Jacob  Saltzman,  Zalman  Meisel,  Bezalel  Lapin,  Baruch 
Perlman,  Hanam  Bashi,  Rabbi  Ben  Zion  Usiel,  Joseph  Shlush,  Bezalel  Jaffe, 
one  Yemenite  to  be  elected  by  the  Yemenite  Community,  and  the  Chairman  of 
the  V'ads  of  all  the  Judean  Colonies. 

The  Committee  on  Vouchers  for  Tiberias. 

Haham  Raphael  Bibur,  Solomon  Gress  and  Ben  Tovin. 

The  Committee  on  Distribution  for  Tiberias. 

Solomon  Gross,  Ben  Tevin  (Anglo-Palestine  Bank),  Matthias  Sandberg 
and  Toledano. 

The  Committee  on  Vouchers  for  Safed. 

Elia  Klinger,  Sender  Travitz  and  Haim  Margolies-Kalvarisky. 

The  Committee  on  Distribution  for  Safed. 

Haham  Elia  Entebi,  Mones  Steinberg,  Elias  Klinger,  M.  Karmiel,  Manager 
A.  P.  C.  Ben  Zion  Carsendo,  Sender  Travitz,  Haim  Goldman,  Moses  Barzel, 
Haham  Nachman  Abu,  Haim  Margolies-Kalvarisky  and  Rabbi  Isaac  Robbin. 

In  the  event  of  the  death  or  removal  from  the  city  of  any  one  or  more  of 
the  committee  on  vouchers  in  any  city,  the  signatures  of  the  remaining  members 
of  that  committee  shall  be  accepted  by  the  consuls  until  the  vacancies  are  filled 
by  appointment  by  the  committees  who  are  parties  to  this  agreement. 


136  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

As  to  funds  sent  to  the  American  Relief  Committee  in  Palestine, 
up  to  the  nth  of  April,  1915,  the  following  statements  have  been 
received : 

Jaffa,  March  3,  1915. 
Mr.  Henry  Morgenthau, 
American  Ambassador. 

Very  dear  Sir: 

CONSTANTINOPLE. 

I  beg  to  confirm  the  receipt  of:  $14,649. 04 

Sent  by  the  American  Jewish  Committee  through  Mr.  Brylawski, 
out  of  which  are  destined  for  General  ReHef  upon  your  orders 10,000. 00 

(I  shall  designate  in  future  this  fund  as  American  Relief  Fund 
No.  III.) 

For  charitable  institutions  and  individuals  as  per  list  No.  1  sent 
to  me  by  Mr.  Lewin-Epstein  on  January  1st,  a  copy  of  which  was  sent 
through  the  American  Consulate  of  Jerusalem.  Nearly  the  whole  of 
of  the  latter  sum  has  already  been  distributed 4,649. 04 

Relief  Fund  No.  III. :  You  were  so  kind  as  to  wire  your  approval 
of  my  proposition  to  use  these  $10,000,  partly  for  distributing  flour 
or  bread  to  destitute  persons  and  partly  for  small  loans  against  securi- 
ties. In  accordance  with  this  programme  I  venture  to  give  you  here- 
with the  following  details: 

For  distribution  by  the  American  Consulate  at  Jerusalem,  at 
Mr.  Glazebrook's  discretion,  to  persons  who  appeal  for  help  direct  to 
the  Consulate 500. 00 

To  cover  small  loans  to  Russian  Jews  in  order  to  enable  them  to 
pay  the  fees  for  their  Ottomanization  so  as  not  to  be  treated  as  for- 
eigners and  expelled  as  such 1,000. 00 

To  cover  expenses  for  food  for  persons  about  to  leave  the  country 
while  waiting  for  the  steamer  and  on  the  voyage 500. 00 

For  distribution  by  local  committees  (about  two-thirds  for  food- 
stuffs and  about  one-third  for  small  loans  against  securities) 8,000. 00 

in  the  same  ratio  as  heretofore,  viz : 

47  per  cent,  at  Jerusalem  and  Hebron $3,760.00 

26 per  cent,  at  Jaffa  and  the  Judean  Colonies 2,080.00 

27  per  cent,  at  Haiffa  and  Galilee 2,160 .00 

$8,000.00 


I  have  instructed  the  respective  committees  to  manage  the  funds  put  at 
their  disposal  so  that  they  would  last  until  Passover,  when  we  hope  the  steamer 
"Vulcan,"  with  foodstuffs  from  America,  will  arrive,  and  render  it  possible  to 
continue  the  work  of  rehef  still  more  efficiently. 

Yours  very  faithfully, 

(Signed)  DR.  A.  RUPPIN. 


Soup  Kitchens,  Food  Ship  ''Vulcan.''  137 

Va.     SOUP  KITCHENS 

On  September  28,  1915,  the  Joint  Distribution  Committee 
granted  the  request  of  Miss  Theresa  Dreyfuss  for  a  subvention  for 
three  soup  kitchens  which  she  had  established  in  Jerusalem,  by- 
voting  $1,000  a  month  for  five  months.  Miss  Dreyfuss  also  received 
a  contribution  of  $500  a  month  for  five  months  from  an  individual 
donor.  When,  at  the  end  of  March,  1916,  the  appropriation  was 
exhausted,  another  grant  of  $1,000  a  month  for  five  months  was 
voted  up  to  September  7,  1916.  The  soup  kitchens  had  been  con- 
ducted under  the  personal  supervision  of  Miss  Dreyfuss  prior  to 
her  coming  to  America  to  enlist  support  for  her  work,  as  she  had 
already  succeeded  in  doing  in  Germany  and  in  Holland.  Although 
Miss  Dreyfuss  returned  to  Palestine  to  resimie  her  activities,  she 
was  not  permitted  to  land.  The  disbiu-sement  of  the  funds  and  the 
general  supervision  of  the  soup  kitchens  have  been  taken  in  hand 
by  Dr.  Otis  A.  Glazebrook,  U.  S.  Consul  at  Jerusalem. 

Vb.    PALESTINE  FOOD  SHIP  "VULCAN." 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  American  Jewish  Relief  Com- 
mittee, the  Central  Relief  Committee  and  the  Provisional  Executive 
Committee  for  General  Zionist  Affairs  sent  a  shipment  of  food  stuffs 
to  Palestine  on  the  U.  S.  Collier  ''Vulcan,"  on  March  13,  1915.  The 
distribution  of  the  food  stuffs  on  the  ''Vulcan"  was  conducted  under 
the  auspices  of  representatives  of  the  American  committees,  Mr. 
Louis  H.  Levin  of  Baltimore,  and  Dr.  Samuel  Lewin-Epstein  of 
New  York,  who  went  to  Palestine  on  the  "Vulcan." 

As  to  the  distribution  of  "Vulcan"  supplies  in  Jerusalem  a 
complete  printed  report  in  Hebrew,  entitled  "Hamaschbir"  has  been 
issued  by  the  Jerusalem  committee  imder  the  chairmanship  of  Mr. 
David  Yellin. 

The  following  is  a  brief  accoimt  of  the  ''Vulcan"  reHef 
expedition: 

The  relief  ship  was  sent  to  Palestine  by  the  American  Jewish  Relief  Com- 
mittee and  the  Provisional  Zionist  Committee,  in  March  1915,  because  information 
had  reached  this  coimtry  from  trustworthy  sources  that  there  was  insufficient 
food  in  Palestine,  and  that  the  population  was  faced  with  actual  starvation  if 
supplies  were  not  brought  in  from  without  at  once. 

About  1,000  tons  of  foodstuffs,  90  per  cent,  of  which  was  flour,  were  sent; 
but  there  was  also  a  goodly  quantity  of  sugar,  rice,  coffee  and  tea,  and  many 
other  articles  in  small  lots.     The  value  of  the  cargo  was  probably  $100,000. 

The  cargo  was  entirely  contributed  by  Jews,  mainly  by  the  American  Jewish 
ReHef  Committee,  the  Provisional  Zionist  Committee,  The  Central  Committee,  Mr. 


138  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Nathan  Straus  and  Mr.  Jacob  H.  Schiff.  Many  private  contributions  in  kind 
were  received,  but  they  formed  a  comparatively  small  percentage  of  the  whole. 

The  suppHes  were  sent  by  the  U.  S.  Collier  "Vulcan,"  which,  by  the 
courtesy  of  the  American  Government,  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  commit- 
tees for  the  purpose,  the  space  of  1,000  tons  being  reserved  for  the  food  shipment. 

The  American  Government  obtained  permission  for  the  safe  landing  of 
the  goods  under  the  condition  that  they  be  distributed  by  American  officials, 
and  that  Turkey  give  assurance  that  none  of  the  supplies  would  be  requisitioned 
by  the  military  authorities.  Not  only  was  this  assurance  given,  but  the  Turkish 
Government  permitted  the  entrance  of  the  goods  duty  free;  and  some  concession 
was  gotten  from  the  railroad  in  Palestine  in  the  matter  of  transportation.  The 
Egyptian  Government  permitted  for  the  first  time  the  purchase  of  suppHes  in 
Alexandria  and  the  exportation  of  them  to  Syria,  and  the  American  Government 
allowed  the  "Tennessee"  and  the  "Vulcan"  to  sell  their  surplus  supply  of  tea 
and  sugar  to  the  expedition. 

The  cargo  was  intended  for  the  whole  population,  Moslems,  Jews  and 
Christians,  though  it  was  contributed  entirely  by  the  Jews  and  was  effected 
by  committees  acquainted  with  local  conditions,  the  Jewish  committees 
taking  care  of  the  Jewish  needy,  and  the  Moslem  and  Christian  committees 
doing  the  same  for  their  people. 

There  was  food  in  the  country,  but  such  staples  as  flour  and  sugar  had 
increased  in  price  enormously,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  money  was  extremely 
scarce.  The  contributions  that  used  to  come  in  from  Russia  and  Galicia  had 
entirely  stopped,  and  little  came  from  Germany  or  other  European  countries. 
Even  from  America  hundreds  of  people  who  used  to  receive  remittances  regularly, 
from  relatives  or  from  their  investfnents,  were  either  not  getting  anything  at  all 
or  receiving  funds  at  such  long  intervals  as  to  amount  to  a  cessation  of  contribution 
altogether.  Besides,  business  was  at  a  standstill,  many  had  fled  the  country  or 
had  been  driven  out,  and  the  people  were  less  able  than  ever  to  do  the  little  for 
themselves  that  they  can  do  in  normal  times.  The  exactions  of  the  Government, 
by  way  of  requisition  and  taxes,  fell  heavily  on  merchants  and  private  individuals; 
and  the  plague  of  locusts  threatened  the  crops  and  plantations  of  the  farmers, 
and  gave  warning  of  still  harder  times  to  come. 

The  "Vulcan"  cargo  was  sent  out  in  charge  of  Mr.  Louis  H.  Levin  of  Balti- 
more, Secretary  of  the  National  Conference  of  Jewish  Charities,  and  Dr.  Samuel 
Lewin-Epstein  of  New  York  acted  as  his  assistant. 

Concerning  the  distribution  of  * 'Vulcan"  supplies  in  Jaffa,  the 
Judaean  colonies  and  the  Samarian  colonies,  we  have  the  following 
statements  from  Dr.  Ruppin  of  Jaffa: 

Jaffa,  September  20th,  1915. 
Dear  Mr.  Levin: 

Some  time  ago  we  sent  you  a  general  statement  (a  copy  of  which  we  enclose) 
about  the  distribution  of  the  victuals  brought  by  the  "Vulcan"  to  Jews,  Christians 
and  Mohammedans.  The  reports  on  the  distribution  to  Mohammedans  and  Chris- 
tians, Dr.  Glazebrook,  the  American  Consul  at  Jerusalem,  will  certainly  give  you. 

Concerning  the  55  per  cent,  which  fell  to  the  share  of  the  Jewish  population 
of  Palestine,  which  (according  to  the  prices  fixed  here)  are  worth  257,568.63 
Francs,  I  take  the  liberty  to  inform  you  as  follows: 


Food  Ship  "Vulcan.''  ^  139 

As  you  will  remember,  the  percentage  for  the  Jews  in  the  towns  and  colonies 
was  fixed  as  follows: 

Per  Cent,  of  Goods 

Total  Worth 

(a)  Jerusalem    with     Hebron    and 

Motza Fr.  154,541. 18  60 

(b)  Jaffa 23,161. 17  9 

(c)  Haifa   with   Akko,    Merchawia 

and  Mesra 9,014.91  3i 

(d)  Sidon 1,287.85                  ^ 

(e)  Tiberias 15,754.11  6 

(f )  Saff ed  with  Einsentun  and  Pekin  30,908 .  23  12 

(g)  Colonies  in  Judea 11,590. 59  4^ 

(h)     Colonies  in  Lower  Galilea 3,863. 53  1^ 

(i)      Colonies  in  Upper  Galilea 2,575 .  69  1 

(j)      Colonies  in  Samaria 5,151. 37  2 

Frs.  257,568. 63  100 

On  account  of  the  high  charges  for  transport  and  because  victuals  are 
cheaper  in  Galilee  than  at  Jaffa  and  Jerusalem,  the  towns  of  Saffed  Haifa,  Akko, 
Sidon,  and  partly  Tiberias,  and  the  colonies  in  upper  and  lower  Galilee  have 
preferred  to  sell  their  part  of  the  foodstuffs  to  the  Committee  of  Jaffa,  Jerusalem 
and  the  colonies  of  Judea  and  to  receive  the  equivalent  in  ready  money. 

The  quantities  of  foodstuffs  received  by  the  several  committees  are  as 
follows: 

(1)  Samaritan  Colonies: 

Flour,  9,298. 20  kilos,  worth Frs.  4,463. 28 

Sugar,  475  kilos,  worth 536. 75 

Rice,  196  kilos,  worth 87. 60 

Other  products,  worth 63. 74 

Frs.  5,151. 37 

Besides  these  victuals,  the  Committee  of  the  Samaritan  Colo- 
nies has  bought  from  the  committees  in  Galilee  other  goods  amount- 
ing to Frs.  127.47 

making  a  total  of  goods  worth 5,278 .83 

We  shall  place. the  127.46  frs.  with  the  money  the  committee  will  receive 
from  the  American  Relief  Fund.  Until  now  I  have  not  yet  received  a  report 
from  the  committee  as  to  the  manner  in  which  it  disposed  of  the  foodstuffs.  I 
shall  forward  it  to  you  upon  receipt. 

(2)  The  town  of  Tiberias  received  out  of  its  part  of  frs,  the  following 

food-stuffs  worth   15,454.11: 

Sugar,  1,495  kilos,  worth Frs.  1,685. 96 

Rice,  465  kilos,  worth 319.20 

Other  Products,  worth 743. 91 

Frs.  2,749.07 
Ready  Money 12,705.04 

(3)  In  transporting  the  victuals  from  Jaffa  to  Jerusalem  we  met  with 
great  difficulties,  the'  railway  being  placed  at  our  disposition  only  once  for  a 
quantity  of  about  70,000  kilos  (about  40,000  kilos  for  Jews).  The  rest  of  the 
victuals  were  transported  to  Jerusalem  by  camels.  As  there  were  not  a  sufficient 
number  of  camels  the  entire  transportation  occupied  about  three  months.     By 


140  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

exercising  great  economy  the  Jerusalem  committee  succeeded  in  making  the 
victuals  last  until  September  1st,  1915.  In  the  months  of  June,  July  and  August 
victuals  worth  50,000  frs.,  monthly,  were  distributed  to  about  20,000  poor  people. 
By  far  the  greatest  part  of  the  victuals  were  distributed  gratuitously  at  Jerusalem; 
only  a  small  percentage  was  sold  on  credit. 
Jerusalem  received  altogether: 

Flour,  281,445. 82  kilos,  worth Frs.  126,650. 62 

Sugar,  18,000  kilos,  worth 16,949. 96 

Rice,  8,011  kilos,  worth 4,633. 14 

Coffee,  1,046. 50  kilos,  worth 4,729. 94 

Other  Victuals,  worth 6,849. 66 

Frs.  159,813.32 

Jerusalem  should  have  received  60  per  cent,  of 

257,568. 63 154,541 .  18 

It  therefore  received  an  excess  of Fr.  5,272. 14 

We  shall  deduct  this  sum  from  the  amount  of  the  new  relief  fund  for  Jeru- 
salem. The  Jerusalem  committee  has  now  put  in  print  a  detailed  report  about 
the  distribution  of  the  goods  of  the  "Vulcan."  You  will  receive  this  report  in 
a  few  weeks.  It  will  give  you  an  insight  not  only  into  the  distribution  of  the 
victuals,  but  also  into  the  economical  condition  of  the  Jews  at  Jerusalem. 
The  town  of  Jaffa  received: 

Flour,  39,593  kilos,  worth Frs.  18,560. 03 

Sugar,  1,708. 5  kilos,  worth 1,969. 52 

Rice,  942. 7/8  kilos,  worth 569. 52 

Other  Goods,  worth 2,445. 61 

Frs.  23,544.68 

which  have  been  distributed  among  the  Jews  according  to  the  enclosed  table. 

Moreover,  the  Jaffa  committee  bought  95,000  kilos  of  flour,  which  has  been 
sold  to  Jews  in  small  quantities.  The  foodstuffs  have  lasted  at  Jaffa  for  seven 
weeks. 

(6)    The  colonies  of  Judea  have  received: 

Flour,  sugar,  rice  and  other  merchandise  for frs,  11,590.59 

which  have  been  distributed  among  the  colonies  according  to  the  enclosed  table. 
Moreover,  the  colonies  of  Judea  have  bought  goods  for  9,175.07  frs.  and  have 
sold  them  in  small  quantities  to  their  inhabitants. 

From  those  committees  which  received  their  share  not  in  food  but  in  money, 
for  instance,  Saf fed,  Haifa,  Tiberias,  colonies  of  Lower  and  Upper  Galilee,  I  have 
not  yet  received  a  report  about  the  manner  in  which  the  money  sent  to  them 
was  distributed.  Generally  speaking,  these  committees  have  followed  the 
practice  of  distributing  a  part  of  the  sum  in  ready  money  and  buying  flour,  which 
is  cheap  there,  for  the  balance,  in  order  to  distribute  it  among  the  poor  population. 
The  committees  have  succeeded  in  making  these  victuals  last  until  now  and  in 
distributing  weekly  either  small  sums  or  a  fixed  quantity  of  flour.  As  soon  as  I 
receive  from  these  committees  the  detailed  reports,  I  shall  forward  them  to  you. 

Finally,  I  enclose  an  account  of  the  money  which  you  have  turned  over  to 
me.     I  have  added  the  balance  of  6,823.87  frs.  to  the  American  Relief  Fund. 

Very  faithfully  yours, 

(Signed)  Dr.  Ruppin. 


VI.     ALEXANDRIA  (EGYPT) 


REPORT     OF     COMMITTEE    FOR     THE    ASSISTANCE     OF     JEWISH 
REFUGEES  FROM   SYRIA  AND  PALESTINE. 

On  December  18,  1914,  a  telegram  from  Port  Said,  addressed 
to  the  Russian  Consul  at  Alexandria,  announced  the  imminent 
arrival  of  almost  700  Russian  Jews  who  had  been  expelled  from 
Palestine.  This  first  contingent  was  to  be  followed  by  many  others. 
In  fact,  from  December  19,  1914,  to  January  31,  1915,  the  various 
steamers  arriving  from  Syria  and  from  Palestine  brought  7,475 
expelled  persons,  and  since  that  time  up  to  December  5, 1915,  3,802 
others  came,  making  a  total  of  11,277  refugees. 

It  is  our  duty  to  mention  the  special  kindness  which  the 
American  authorities  evidenced  towards  our  refugees  through  the 
intervention  of  the  Hon.  Henry  Morgenthau,  the  U.  S.  Ambassador 
at  Constantinople.  The  Cruisers  of  the  United  States  Navy,  and 
especially  the  "Tennessee"  transported  about  1,000  Israelites  ex- 
pelled from  Syria  and  Palestine  to  Alexandria,  free  of  charge.  On 
board  the  Cruisers,  these  refugees  received  the  special  consideration 
of  the  commandants  and  officers.  Mr.  Arthur  Garrells,  the 
U.  S.  Consul  at  Alexandria,  himself  assisted  at  the  disembarkment 
of  the  refugees  from  the  Cruisers;  assisted  them  in  every  way 
possible  and  made  special  inqmries  as  to  the  conditions  under  which 
they  made  the  voyage. 

The  situation  of  the  refugees  upon  landing  was  pitiable.  They 
were  completely  destitute,  without  shoes,  clothing  or  linen.  Some 
had  been  rudely  arrested  in  the  street  and  forced  to  embark  without 
being  able  to  carry  anything  with  them;  others  had  been  withdrawn 
from  prisons  in  which  they  had  been  confined  for  several  weeks  as 
subjects  of  an  enemy,  and  conducted  directly  on  board  ship;  others, 
finally  tired  of  struggling  against  misery  and  frightened  by  the 
prospect  of  greater  sufferings  to  come,  left  the  country  of  their  own 
free  will.  It  was  heartbreaking  to  see  this  dejected  crowd  come 
from  the  steamers  and  land  on  the  docks.  Husbands  looked  for 
their  wives,  parents  for  their  children,  a  large  number  of  whom 

141 


142  Reports  Received  hy  Joint  Distribution  Committee, 

were  seeking  their  mothers.     The  exile  had  separated  members  of 
the  same  family. 

These  people  upon  whom  misfortune  had  descended  so  heavily 
had  not  all  known  misery.  Among  them  there  were  rabbis,  students 
who  had  consecrated  their  lives  to  the  study  of  the  law,  others  who 
belonged  to  the  liberal  professions,  persons  who  possessed  property, 
merchants,  laborers  who  had  acquired  an  honest  competence  by 
work.  And  now,  all  these  found  themselves  cast  away  upon  a 
foreign  shore,  their  hearts  full  of  anxiety. 

Formation  of  the  Relief  Committee. 

As  soon  as  he  received  word  of  the  approaching  arrival  of  the 
Russian  Jews  from  Palestine,  the  Russian  Consul  convened  some 
of  the  leading  Jews  of  his  colony  and  placing  himself  at  their  head, 
constituted  a  committee  charged  with  the  purpose  of  providing 
immediate  necessaries  for  the  exiles.  The  committee  consisted  of 
the  following: 

A.  M.  Petroff,  Russian  Consul,  President,  M.  Gruchkin, 

B.  Levontin,  Treasurer,  J.  Herzenstein, 
Mme.  C.  Stein,  W.  Jabotinsky, 
W.  Gluskin,  M.  Margolis. 

This  Committee  asstimed  a  task  which  required  a  great  deal 
of  work  and  devotion.  We  had  to  gather  all  these  refugees  to- 
gether, to  furnish  food ;  to  clothe  them ;  to  organize  a  medical  service 
for  them;  to  protect  the  young  women  against  the  evil  designs  of 
certain  individuals  who  attempted  to  take  advantage  of  their  misery; 
and,  to  re-establish  communication  between  the  refugees  and  their 
relatives  who  remained  in  Turkey,  or  lived  elsewhere,  so  as  to  pro- 
vide them  either  with  the  means  to  remain  in  Egypt,  or  else  to 
enable  them  to  rejoin  them  wherever  they  were.  It  was  also  neces- 
sary to  find  employment  for  some,  and  enable  others  to  work  at  their 
different  trades,  besides  providing  instruction  for  the  children. 
Besides  this,  this  Committee  was  the  intermediary  between  the 
refugees  and  their  Consuls;  pleaded  for  them  before  the  different 
public  authorities,  etc.,  etc. 

With  the  assistance  of  Prof.  Raphael  Delia  Pergola,  the  Grand 
Rabbi  of  Alexandria  and  his  assistant  Haham  Abraham  Abikzar, 
an  appeal  was  made  to  members  of  the  local  Community  and  appeals 
were  also  made  abroad.  The  response  was  immediate.  A  public 
subscription  was  opened  and  gifts  both  in  kind  and  in  money 
flowed  in. 


Alexandria  Committee  for  the  Assistance  of  Jewish  Refugees.    148 

The  Russian  Constd  established  the  first  relief  fund,  allowing 
us  0  Fr.  .  50  per  day,  per  soul.  When  the  French  refugees  arrived, 
the  French  Consul  allowed  us  the  same  subvention  for  the  support 
of  his  countrymen. 

The  most  important  Sub-Committees,  were,  the  Committee 
on  Supervision  of  Hygiene  and  Clothing,  and  the  Committee  on 
Education. 

We  quote  from  the  reports  of  these  Committees: 


Committee  on  Supervision  of  Hygiene  and  Clothing. 

A  large  number  of  ladies  offered  their  services.  The  refugees 
were  inspected  every  day  and  given  their  most  careful  attention. 
In  their  hygienic  work,  they  were  assisted  by  the  doctors  of  the 
city  and  by  doctors  from  Palestine.  Many  institutions  of  the  city, 
specially  made  and  gave  underwear  and  clothing.  Among  others, 
we  may  mention  the  ladies  of  the  Convent  "La  Mere  de  Dieu." 
The  work-rooms  of  the  Colonic  Francaise;  of  the  Dames  de  Colonic 
Suisse;   of  the  Jeunes  Filles  dTsraelites,  etc.,  etc. 

The  various  Committees,  soon  brought  order  out  of  the  con- 
fusion of  the  first  few  days,  until  the  15th  of  February,  1915, 
arrived.  This  date  inaugurated  a  new  period  in  our  activity.  As 
a  matter  of  fact,  during  the  month  of  January,  1915,  Italian  ships 
and  the  American  cruisers,  did  not  cease  bringing  us  new  refugees, 
of  whom  a  certain  number  were  of  French  and  English  nationality, 
and  also  a  few  belonging  to  other  European  countries,  whom  the 
fear  of  what  might  happen,  had  driven  out  of  Turkey.  We  had 
to  look  after  and  sustain  about  7,500  refugees.  For  this,  a  simi 
of  about  £3,000  per  month  was  needed.  This  task  was  beyond 
our  means,  and  eventually  the  'Xonmiittee  for  the  Assistance  of 
Jewish  Refugees  from  Syria  and  Palestine  was  founded." 

The  Committee  consisted  of  the  following: 

Grand  Rabbi  R.  della  Pergola  ....  Hon.  President. 
Marc  Margolies President. 

Wolf  Gluskin           \  ^.      p-esidents 

Jacques  Oettimger  / Vice-Presidents 

David  Levontin Treasurer. 

vSimon  Mani Secretary. 

Messrs.  D.  Block-Blumenfeld,  Danon,  R.  della  Pergola,  L.  Berlin,  Haham 
Abraham  Abi  Klizir;  Messrs.  Maurice  Aghion,  Joseph  Danon,  Daniel  Gaon, 
L.  Gouchkin,  Jacob  Herzenstein,  David  Idelovitch,  Vladimir  Jabotinsky,  Dr. 
Joseph  Kohn,  Harry  Kaplan,  E.  Levy  and  David  Mizrahi.  J.  Pewsner, 
Accountant. 


144  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Up  to  the  end  of  January,  the  Committee's  receipts  had 
approximated  £9,790.919,  of  which  the  American  Jewish  Relief 
Committee  had,  up  to  December  31,  1915,  contributed  £1,198.065, 
and  the  Provisional  Executive  Committee  for  General  Zionist 
Affairs,  £398.065.  From  December  20,  1914,  to  February  15, 
1915,  the  Committee  spent  £1,910.948  for  food,  shelter,  clothing, 
debarkation  and  equipment  of  refugees.  From  February  15,  1915, 
to  December  31,  1915,  the  Committee  spent  £6,969.69  for  the 
following  purposes: 

Subsistence £3,227. 169 

Repatriation 588. 702 

Traveling  expenses  of  refugees  to  the  Interior 36. 905 

Loans  to  artisans  and  small  dealers 111. 585 

Telegrams  from  refugees  to  their  relatives 94. 815 

Sundry  advances 376. 345 

Various  subventions 64. 295 

Subsidies  to  schools 100. 400 

Medical  assistance 452. 477 

Subvention  to  shops 219. 887 

Expenses  of  traveling  in  the  interest  of  the  refugees 21. 170 

Office  expenses 381 .  275 

Other  expenses 290. 973 

The  Committee  appointed  the  following  sub-committees  to 
devote  themselves  to  the  details  of  the  relief  work: 

1.  Committee  on  Debarkation  and  Housing. 

2.  Committee  on  Subsistence  (to  procure  and  to  distribute  food  to 

the  refugees). 

3.  Committee  on  Supervision  of  Hygiene  and  Clothing   (this  com- 

mittee consists  of  women  who  have  volimteered  their  services 
in  looking  after  the  hygienic  condition  of  the  refugees  and 
furnishing  them  with  clothing.) 

4.  Committee  on  Employment  and  Labor. 

5.  Medical  Committee. 

6.  Bureau   of   Correspondence    (for    establishing   or   renewing   com- 

munication between  refugees  and  their  families  in  Russia  or 
elsewhere). 

7.  Committee  on  Repatriation   (to  facilitate  the  departure  of  such 

refugees  as  were  able  to  leave  Alexandria  to  join  relatives). 

8.  Committee  on  Education  (for  the  maintenance  of  schools  for  the 

children  of  refugees). 


The  refugees  were  not  all  located  in  camps.  There  were  many 
of  them,  who  for  one  reason  or  other,  were  located  in  the  city,  but 
who  were  entirely  dependent  upon  us.  By  order  of  the  Russian 
Consul,  only  the  women,  the  old  men  and  children  of  Russian 
nationality  were  left  in  the  different  camps.  The  adult  Russians 
were  sent  back  to  Russia  after  remaining  one  month  from  the  date 
of  their  arrival.     (This  order  was  afterwards  rescinded  when  the 


Alexandria  Committee  for  the  Assistance  oj  Jewish  Refugees.    145 

communication  with  Russia  was  interrupted).  In  the  meantime, 
our  Committee  was  compelled  to  support  them.  We  also  had  to 
take  care  of  a  certain  number  of  refugees,  who  for  one  reason  or 
another  were  not  recognized  by  their  Consuls. 


Sub-Committee  on  Subsistence. 

This  Committee  up  to  December  31st,  1915,  sjpent  £6,269.690 
in  caring  for  the  refugees  that  it  was  necessary  to  allow  to  remain 
in  the  city,  and  also  for  a  certain  number  of  refugees,  especially 
Russians  left  in  the  encampments,  who  were  also  cared  for  at  our 
expense.  Our  expenses  for  the  refugees  living  in  the  city,  were 
also  increased  every  month,  through  the  fact,  that  many  families, 
found  the  resources,  that  they  had  brought  with  them  were  becoming 
exhausted,  or  who  did  not  any  longer  receive  the  assistance  which 
their  relatives  in  Russia  or  elsewhere  had  been  in  the  habit  of 
sending  to  them.  Besides  the  regular  assistance  given  to  the 
refugees,  we  distributed  £199.170,  in  giving  assistance  to  people 
who  thus  were  in  temporary  distress. 

The  Rabbis  and  the  students  were  given  special  consideration 
and  received  larger  subsidies  than  their  companions  in  exile. 


Committee  on  Employment  and  Labor. 

Unfortunately,  the  conditions  were  not  at  all  favorable  at  first, 
in  consequence  of  the  crisis  throughout  Egypt  caused  by  the  war. 
Besides  this,  the  ignorance  of  the  languages  spoken  in  Egypt  did 
not  permit  a  large  number  of  refugees  to  work,  or  to  occupy  them- 
selves in  their  usual  professions.  We  were  therefore,  compelled 
to  create  several  work-shops,  a  carpenter  shop,  dress-making  rooms 
and  a  book-binding  shop,  which  we  supported  from  our  funds  and 
from  fimds  placed  at  oiu-  disposal  by  the  Alliance  Israelite  Univer- 
salle  and  by  Aeliahou  Hanabi  Lodge  of  the  Order  B'Nai  Brith. 

These  work-shops  gave  us  considerable  trouble,  and  were  the 
cause  of  a  great  deal  of  expense,  because  they  were  not  conducted 
as  co-operative  work-shops,  but  they  did  not  entirely  fail  in  their 
intention. 

As  a  matter  gf  fact  the  presence  of  a  large  munber  of  British 
Troops  in  Egypt,  made  it  possible  to  establish  a  nvunber  of  industries 
in  which  our  refugees  found  employment;  carpentering,  boot 
making,  iron-working,  washing,  etc. 


146  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Sub-Committee  of  Education. 

As  soon  as  the  refugees  were  located  in  the  various  encampments 
and  their  support  was  assured,  this  Committee  had  only  one  care 
which  was  to  give  proper  instruction  to  the  children. 

All  the  Jewish  schools  in  Alexandria  received  a  large  niunber 
of  the  little  refugees.  Nurses,  classes  for  mothers,  and  primary 
classes  were  established  in  the  different  encampments.  This  Sub- 
Committee  decided  to  create  only  temporary  organizations,  very 
simple  ones,  and  to  adapt  methods  and  programs  so  that  the  pupils 
could  either  continue  the  studies  commenced  in  Palestine,  or  which 
would  prepare  them,  so  that  they  could  follow  them  when  they 
return. 

It  is  for  this  reason  that  we  have  attached  great  importance 
to  the  study  of  Hebrew,  which  was  the  basis  of  the  instruction; 
English,  French  and  Arabic,  being  the  secondary  languages. 

In  May,  1915,  Miss  Landau,  the  directress  of  the  Evalina  De 
Rothschild  School  in  Jerusalem  arrived  in  Alexandria.  At  the 
request  of  Mr.  Homblower,  Mr.  Lewis  Levine,  Mr.  Jack  Mosseri, 
and  Mr.  N.  Bentwich,  the  representatives  of  the  American  Jewish 
Relief  Committee  in  Egypt,  she  devoted  herself  to  the  little  refugees. 
The  nuraber  of  children  in  the  different  camps  amounted  to  more 
than  1,000.  The  idea  therefore,  was  conceived  to  create  a  large 
Central  School,  and  the  Committee  asked  Mr.  Jack  Mosseri,  who 
turned  over  £800  for  distribution  among  the  refugees,  to  occupy 
himself  specially  with  the  school  question.  Unfortunately,  the 
Central  School  project  could  not  be  put  into  effect,  in  consequence 
of  it  being  impossible  to  find  a  location  sufficiently  large  to  hold 
all  the  children. 

Upon  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Mosseri,  the  construction  upon  a 
very  simple  plan,  of  the  Wardin  School  was  undertaken,  upon 
a  site  which  provides  all  the  necessary  hygienic  requirements.  The 
number  of  children  attending  this  school  amounts  to  about  400, 
divided  into  7  classes.  The  teachers  were  recruited  from  among 
the  refugees.  The  program  of  the  school  was  arranged  so  as  to  give 
as  much  importance  as  possible  to  the  learning  of  Hebrew,  and  it 
also  includes  the  learning  of  English  and  Arabic.  The  school  was 
officially  opened  in  the  month  of  November.  The  results  shown  are 
excellent  and  due  honor  must  be  given  to  Miss  Landau,  whose  talent 
for  organization  is  above  praise. 

Mr.  Mosseri  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  simi  of  about  £250 
left  over  from  the  subscription  organized  for  the  Kishineff  victims, 


Alexandria  Committee  for  the  Assistance  of  Jewish  Refugees.    147 

which  had  been  lying  for  several  years  in  Cairo  and  which  was  also 
used  towards  the  construction  of  the  school  at  Wardin. 

Mr.  Bentwich  approached  the  Anglo- Jewish  Association  in 
order  to  have  it  nominate  Miss  Landau  as  directress  of  the  school, 
and  it  undertook  to  pay  her  salary.  It  also  voted  a  credit  of  £100 
for  school  supplies.  Our  Committee  allowed  the  school  a  subvention 
of  £250  for  the  year  1915-1916.  Mr.  Homblower,  on  his  part, 
consecrated  a  legacy  of  £200  to  this  work  and  £100  was  taken 
from  a  special  fund  contributed  out  of  the  profits,  realized  upon 
the  contracts  for  work  relating  to  the  refugees.  From  these  special 
funds,  the  administration  was  able  to  distribute  Cod  Liver  Oil  to 
the  children  under  four  years  of  age,  milk  to  the  nursing  mothers 
and  in  general  to  those  who  were  in  a  weak  condition. 

Close  to  Chouna  and  for  the  encampment  there,  Mr.  Sloutskin 
opened  a  school  which  he  supports  at  his  own  expense.  It  has  about 
130  scholars  and  eight  teachers. 

In  all  these  schools  the  children  are  not  only  taught,  but  they 
acquire  the  habits  of  order  and  cleanliness:  An  ingenious  system 
of  prizes,  stimulates  their  zeal.  Confectionery  is  distributed; 
they  are  taken  out  for  promenades.  Little  treats  in  the  school, 
sustain  order  and  give  a  little  pleasure  to  their  broken  hearts. 

Neither  the  Jewish  section  of  the  city,  nor  those  of  the  camps, 
could  provide  instruction  for  all  those  who  were  anxious  to  obtain 
it.  A  certain  number  belonging  to  some  of  the  camps,  and  a  large 
number  living  in  the  city,  already  somewhat  advanced  in  their 
studies,  did  not  know  where  to  go  for  them.  It  was  necessary 
therefore,  to  create  an  establishment  which  was  similar  as  much 
as  possible  in  advancement  and  methods  to  the  Palestinean  schools. 
Before  creating  an3rthing  permanent  and  rendering  our  budget  liable 
for  expenses  that  would  be  too  heavy,  we  decided  to  establish  two 
"trial"  classes.  We  appealed  to  Mr.  Joseph  Piccotto,  and  he  put 
two  rooms  at  the  Free  School  at  our  disposal.  They  were  under 
the  direction  of  Dr.  J.  Loiuie  of  Jaffa.  Eighty  pupils  were  able 
to  continue  their  studies  in  the  Hebrew  language,  which  they  had 
commenced  in  Palestine.  The  trial  was  encouraging.  The  requests 
for  admission  were  so  numerous,  that  the  Committee  considered 
it  its  duty  to  recognize  them  and  to  undertake  the  necessary  sacrifice 
to  give  satisfaction  to  the  need  of  instructing  the  little  refugees. 
As  quickly  as  possible  we  created  a  Hebrew  School  in  the  center 
of  the  town,  which  now  has  300  scholars  including  the  eighty  pupils 
who  formerly  comprised  the  two  special  classes  at  the  Hebrew  Free 


148  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee, 

School.  This  school  is  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Bogratchoff,  the 
director  of  the  Jewish  Gymnasium  of  Jaffa.  His  budget  calls  for 
£50  per  month. 

Conclusion. 

In  furnishing  the  preceding  details,  the  Committee  desires 
as  shortly  as  possible,  to  indicate  the  many  needs  which  press  for 
its  attention  and  the  efforts  they  have  made  to  satisfy  them.  There 
are  other  needs  equally  pressing,  which  have  been  called  to  its 
attention,  but  it  has  not  been  able  to  satisfy  them,  through  lack 
of  funds. 

The  situation  to  date,  of  the  refugees,  causes  us  to  arrive  at 
the  following  conclusion: 

There  are  now  at  Alexandria  about  4,400  refugees,  of  whom 
about  1,200  are  absolutely  dependent  upon  us.  In  spite  of  all  the 
splendid  co-operation  which  has  been  given  to  us  from  elsewhere, 
the  condition  is  lamentable,  and  demands  vigilant  attention  and 
sustenance  from  us. 

Neither  the  Government  Authorities  nor  the  ''Committee  for 
the  Assistance  of  Jewish  Refugees  from  Syria  and  Palestine,"  has 
ever  spent  more  than  60  centimes  per  day  per  person,  and  this  in 
spite  of  the  fact  that  the  price  of  food  gets  higher  day  after  day. 
The  condition  of  the  refugees  therefore,  grows  worse,  without  our 
being  able  to  do  anything  at  all  to  remedy  it.  If  it  is  difficult  for 
a  person  to  live  on  such  a  small  amount  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances, what  must  be  the  condition  of  our  refugees,  of  whom  a 
great  number  have  always  lived  in  comfortable  circiunstances? 

As  we  have  seen,  out  of  the  12,000  refugees  who  were  landed 
at  Alexandria,  there  are  today  about  4,400  left-  in  the  country. 
The  others  have  been  able  to  escape  from  actual  misery,  either  by 
finding  something  to  do,  or  by  leaving  Egypt. 

The  great  majority  of  the  refugees  who  are  now  left  in  our 
charge,  constitute  the  most  interesting  part  of  the  expelled  Pales- 
tinean  population.  They  are,  for  the  most  part,  people  who  after 
having  suffered  imheard  of  indignities  in  the  country  of  their  origin, 
after  having  left  all  that  they  possessed,  went  to  Palestine  and 
there  estabHshed  homes,  or  else  established  large  agricultural, 
industrial  or  commercial  enterprises.  They  are  attached  to  the 
country  by  every  fibre  of  their  hearts;  their  dream  is  to  rettirn  to 
Palestine;  their  ideal  is  to  consecrate  themselves  with  ardor  and 
with  fervor  to  Jewish  work;  there  they  could  continue  their  work 
of  civilization,  and  be  an  element  of  material  prosperity  in  the  land 


Alexandria  Committee  for  the  Assistance  of  Jewish  Refugees.    149 

of  their  ancestors.  What  a  disaster  for  them,  if  again  they  are 
compelled  to  become  exiles,  to  direct  their  steps  towards  some 
other  countries! 

There  are  other  cares  which  confront  us:  Many  of  the  refugees 
succeeded  in  bringing  funds  with  them,  and  up  till  now  were  able 
to  support  themselves,  free  from  all  care,  the  more,  because  during 
the  first  ten  months  of  their  exile,  they  were  able  to  communicate 
with  their  friends  and  agents  and  in  this  way  add  to  their  resources. 
Today  they  are  absolutely  isolated.  Their  resources  are  exhausted, 
and  our  assistance  becomes  absolutely  indispensable.  The  number 
of  these  people  grows  larger  every  day  and  we  are  doing  all  we  can 
to  assist  them.  Even  with  the  very  strictest  economy,  it  is  how- 
ever, impossible  for  us  to  do  this  at  this  time,  with  the  means  at 
o\ir  disposal.  We  must  have  £750  per  month  to  cover  the  most 
urgent  expenses.  It  is  impossible  to  reduce  this  amount.  We 
cannot  reduce  it  any  more,  wdthout  adding  to  the  misery  of  the 
refugees.  At  this  moment,  the  amount  on  hand,  is  hardly  enough 
to  meet  the  needs  of  a  single  month.  What  will  happen  if  our  funds 
are  not  augumented?  Hundreds  of  old  men,  women  and  children 
will  roam  around  the  streets,  vainly  holding  out  their  hands,  con- 
demned to  misery,  to  sickness  and  to  despair.  Our  thoughts  refuse 
to  conjure  up  so  horrible  a  spectacle,  especially  after  the  many 
evidences  of  solidarity  which  have  been  shown  to  us  from  all  over 
the  world.  On  the  contrary,  we  are  persuaded  that  now  that  our 
needs  have  grown  greater  and  have  become  more  urgent,  our 
brethren  in  Egypt  and  abroad  will  sustain  us  in  our  efforts  to 
accomplish  the  task  which  we  have  assumed.  We  therefore,  most 
urgently  appeal  to  all  our  friends  to  continue  to  aid  us.  We  have 
need  of  their  assistance. 


VII.     SWITZERLAND. 


REPORT     OF    THE     CENTRAL    RELIEF     COMMITTEE    FOR    JEWISH 
STUDENTS    IN    SWITZERLAND. 

On  March  2,  1915,  Mr.  Hermann  Conheim  received  a  telegram  from  America 
announcing  an  appropriation  of  $2,500.00  for  needy  Jewish  students  in  Switzer- 
land and  naming  a  committee  on  distribution.  Being  a  stranger  in  the  country 
(an  American),  Mr.  Conheim  immediately  consulted  with  the  Rabbi  of  Zurich, 
Dr.  Littmann,  and  the  President  of  the  B'nai  B'rith  Lodge  of  Zurich,  Dr.  Bollag. 
Dr.  Pinkus,  of  Zurich,  proved  tobe  the  "Pinsky  of  Bern"  named  in  the  American 
telegram,  and  he  brought  together  the  other  members  of  the  distribution  com- 
mittee: Messrs.  Ben-Ami,  Aberson,  Chanis,  Rabbi  Segal,  of  Geneva,  and  Mr. 
Epstein,  of  Lausanne.  Mr.  Gorelik  could  not  be  traced,  as  there  were  several 
men  of  that  name  in  Geneva,  and  Mr.  Chanis,  who  had  suggested  inviting  him, 
was  still  in  America.  The  Rector  of  the  University  of  Geneva  was  not  included, 
because  that  would  have  involved  inviting  the  Rectors  of  the  Universities  of 
Bern,  Zurich,  Basel  and  Lausanne,  with  ensuing  complications. 

The  above-mentioned  gentlemen  formed  the  Central  Relief  Committee 
for  Jewish  Students  in  Switzerland,  and  co6pted  members  of  Jewish  students' 
organizations  in  all  of  the  university  towns  as  expert  advisers  on  student  needs. 
The  secretarial  work  was  conducted  by  Mr.  Conheim  and  Dr.  Pinkus  at  the 
latter's  office,  which  has  also  served  as  the  headquarters  of  the  Central  Relief 
Committee. 

The  first  step  was  to  distribute  blanks  to  the  students'  committees,  to  be 
furnished  by  them  to  students  in  need  of  help.  Bulletins  were  posted  in  the 
universities  announcing  that  such  blanks  were  obtainable  from  the  students' 
committees.     The  result  was  as  follows:    There  were  received  from 

Geneva 20  requests  amounting  to  Fr.    3,067. 00 

Lausanne 27         "  "  "  3,585.00 

Bern 31         "  "  "  8,550.00 

Zurich 55         "  "  "         23,460.00 

Basel 14        "  "  "  4,750.00 

Totals 147  Fr.  43,779. 00 


There  was  a  sum  of  13,448.40  in  hand  to  meet  these  requisitions, 
which  obviously  could  cover  only  a  fraction  of  the  needs. 

A  public  conference  was  held  in  Bern  on  April  18,  1915,  where  the  method 
of  distribution  was  adopted.  Representing  the  Central  Relief  Committee, 
there  were  present  Mr.  Conheim,  Dr.  Pinkus,  Dr.  Littmann,  Mr.  Chanis  and 
Mr.  Ben-Ami.     Messrs.  Segal,  Aberson  and  Epstein  sent  their  excuses.     The 

151 


162  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Jewish  students  of  the  various  universities  were  represented  by  about  twenty 
delegates.  The  expenses  of  the  conference  and  of  the  reHef  work  itself  were 
borne  by  Mr.  Conheim. 

At  this  conference,  Mr.  Chanis  reported  on  his  trip  to  America  and  pre- 
sented the  views  of  the  American  contributors.  Dr.  Pinkus  then  made  a 
statement  on  the  requisitions  received,  and  pointed  out  that  the  requisitions 
from  Geneva  and  Lausanne  were  for  fewer  persons  and  more  modest  amounts. 
This  he  ascribed  to  the  fact  that  in  both  Geneva  and  Lausanne  the  administrators 
of  the  Jewish  students'  relief  funds  had  made  thorough  investigation  of  their 
applicants'  needs.  Dr.  Pinkus  suggested  that  there  were  two  available  methods 
for  the  distribution:  first,  to  consider  few  applications,  but  to  do  them  full 
justice,  especially  to  students  near  the  completion  of  their  courses;  or,  second, 
to  assist  a  large  number  of  students  with  moderate  sums,  so  that  their  bare  living 
necessities  would  be  covered  for  some  time  to  come. 

The  conference  chose  the  latter  method.  It  was  decided  to  appropriate 
2,900  francs  each  for  Geneva,  Lausanne,  Bern  and  Zurich,  and  1,400  francs  for 
Basel;  total,  13,000  francs.  A  balance  of  448.40  francs  for  special  purposes 
remained  with  the  Central  Relief  Committee  (see  Financial  Statement  attached). 

The  Distribution  Committee  for  Geneva  consisted  of  the  Executive  Com- 
Committee  of  the  local  Jewish  Students'  Relief  Fund  under  the  supervision 
of  Mr.  Ben- Ami,  as  a  member  of  the  Central  Relief  Committee.  The  Lausanne 
Distribution  Committee  was  composed  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  local 
Jewish  Students'  Relief  Fund  with  Mr.  Epstein  as  the  supervisor  for  the  Central 
Relief  Committee.  In  Bern,  the  committee  consisted  of  the  representatives 
chosen  at  a  meeting  of  the  general  Jewish  student  body  under  the  chairmanship 
of  Herr  Messinger,  the  head  of  the  Jewish  community  of  Bern,  supervised  by 
Dr.  Pinkus  on  behalf  of  the  Central  Relief  Committee.  In  Zurich,  where  a 
union  of  the  students  was  most  difficult  to  achieve,  a  committee  was  constituted 
by  the  appointment  of  one  representative  each  from  the  Jewish  students*  club 
and  from  the  two  Zionist  societies,  "Hachower"  and  "Ivria,"  together  with 
Mr.  Conheim  and  Rabbiner  Dr.  Littmann.  In  Basel  the  Distributing  Committee 
was  organized  utider  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Conheim  and  with  the  kind  assistance 
of  the  president  of  the  Zionist  Federation  of  Switzerland,  Rechtsanwalt  Dr. 
Arnstein.  It  was  made  up  of  the  executive  members  of  the  newly  established 
Jewish  relief  fund  in  Basel. 

In  accordance  with  the  decision  of  the  conference  at  Bern,  the  distribution 
committees  all  devoted  themselves  to  relieving  the  most  urgent  needs  of  the 
students.  Only  after  that  could  students'  requirements  for  pursuing  their 
studies  be  considered.  The  party  affiHations  of  the  students  were  naturally 
disregarded  when  they  presented  their  situation. 

The  distribution  is  now  completed,  and  the  most  necessary  means  furnished 
for  a  brief  period.  But  the  Central  Relief  Committee  dreads  the  overwhelming 
distress  that  the  end  of  the  summer  semester  will  inevitably  bring.  It  therefore 
appeals  once  again  to  the  generosity  of  the  Jewish  Relief  Committee,  for  America 
is  the  only  land  to  which  the  Jews  of  the  agonized  old  world  can  look  for  help. 

From  the  purely  Jewish  viewpoint,  there  is  this  to  add  to  the  above  report 
on  the  relief  work.  The  Central  Relief  Committee  felt  itself  in  duty  bound  to 
draw  student  representatives  only  from  the  Jewish  organizations.  The  Jews 
affiliated  with  the  Russian  students'  societies  were  extremely  dissatisfied  with 
this  course.     They  contended  that  they  were  entitled  to  representation  in  the 


Central  Relief  Committee  for  Swiss  Students.  163 

relief  work  because  they  had  already  established  students'  relief  funds  and  the 
majority  of  the  members  of  the  Russian  students'  societies  were  Jews  (in  many 
instances  there  would  be  only  one  or  two  Russian  Christian  members).  They 
felt  themselves  entitled  to  a  leading  role  in  the  distribution,  and  should  have 
preferred  that  the  funds  be  turned  into  their  treasuries. 

The  Central  Relief  Committee  did  not  agree  with  this  attitude,  and  ignored 
numerous  objections  and  protests,  because 


(1)  The  relief  funds  of  the  Russian  students'  societies  are  devoted 
(apart  from  the  Christian  Russians)  to  Russian  Jewish  students  only. 
Jewish  students  from  Galicia,  Palestine,  Germany  and  so  on  were  con- 
sistently refused  when  they  asked  for  aid.  Therefore,  co6peratio^  with 
these  societies  was  ruled  out  from  the  first,  because  we  could  not  very  well 
recognize  a  mode  of  distribution  to  Jewish  students  according  to  their  birth- 
places. 

(2)  In  the  Russian  students'  societies  there  were  gathered  Jewish 
student  elements  which  set  their  Russian  loyalties  above  their  Judaism — 
most  of  them  denying  their  Judaism  in  public.  The  Central  Relief  Com- 
mittee could  not  in  good  conscience  strengthen  societies  so  pernicious 
to  Jewish  life  by  allowing  them  representation  in  purely  Jewish  relief  activi- 
ties, where  their  voice  and  vote  would  cotmt.  Justice  was  fully  done  when 
in  individual  instances  relief  was  given  even  to  those  who  had  denied  their 
Judaism  publicly. 


The  Central  Relief  Committee  felt  strengthened  in  its  attitude  because 
of  the  decision  of  the  conference  at  Bern,  which  imanimously  adopted  the  prin- 
ciples above  outlined,  and  because  of  the  support  it  has  received  from  the 
nationalist  students,  who  everywhere  strove  to  establish  Jewish  students'  relief 
funds  in  places  where  none  had  existed,  namely,  in  Bern  and  in  Zurich.  With 
the  support  of  this  fund,  the  so-called  Russian  colonies  have  come  out  as  Jewish 
students'  colonies,  which  maintain  and  strengthen  Judaism. 

Mr.  Conheim  drew  the  Swiss  Jews  into  the  relief  work  from  the  beginning. 
In  consequence,  the  relief  funds  had  considerable  local  support,  in  Bern  and 
Zurich,  especially  from  the  B'naiB'rith  Lodge  in  Zurich.  Now  the  communities 
of  Geneva  and  Lausanne  have  become  active.  The  various  relief  committees 
intend  to  unite,  and  the  executive  committee  of  the  federation  is  to  consist  of 
the  Central  Relief  Committee,  together  with  delegates  from  each  local  relief 
committee.  The  federated  relief  fund  will  have  its  headquarters  in  the  office 
of  Dr.  Pinkus  in  Zurich  for  the  present. 

The  Jewish  Relief  Committee  (of  America)  therefore  has  the  satisfaction 
of  knowing  that  it  has  given  impetus  to  the  establishment  of  a  pernianent  relief 
institution.  The  Central  Relief  Committee  hopes  that  this  will  induce  the 
American  Jews  to  afford  further  assistance  to  the  Jewish  students  in  Switzerland. 
In  view  of  the  frightful  sacrifice  of  the  intellectual  youth  of  Europe  to  this  unholy 
war,  it  is  simply  a  law  of  necessity  to  cherish  those  who  remain.  We  therefore 
appeal  urgently  to  America  for  help. 

The  Central  Relief  Committee  for  Jewish 
Students  in  Switzerland. 

(Signed)  H.  Conheim. 


154  Reports  Received  by  Joint  Distribution  Committee. 

Financial  Statement. 

(1)  Remittance  (S2,500.00  from  American  Jewish  Relief  Com- 

mittee     Fr.  13,448. 80 

(2)  Collections  of  Settimane  Israelitica,  Italy 392. 05 

(3)  Remittance  from  Provisional  Executive  Committee  for  Gen- 

eral Zionist  Affairs 1,358. 75 

Fr.  15,199.80 

Appropriations: 

Basel Fr.  1,400.00 

Bern 2,900. 00 

Geneva 2,900.00 

Lausanne 2,900. 00 

Zurich 2,900.00 

Special  relief  purposes: 

■    Zurich 100. 00 

Lausanne 280. 00 

Geneva 100. 00 

13,480.00 


Fr.    1,719.80" 


*The  balance  of  Fr.  1,719. 80  is  to  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  Central  Relief 
Committee  until  the  affairs  of  the  various  local  relief  funds  have  been  arranged — 
which  will  be  soon.  The  distribution  of  this  balance,  as  well  as  of  future  con- 
tributions, will  be  made  on  the  plan  outlined  in  this  report. 


^' 


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